Antibiotics continue to be commonly prescribed for respiratory tract infections (RTIs), even though evidence suggests that for many people they provide little clinical benefit.^1,2 To tackle over-use of antibiotics, a strategy of using delayed prescriptions is recommended in clinical guidelines.^3,4 An updated Cochrane review has assessed the effects of a delayed antibiotic prescription on clinical outcomes, antibiotic use, antibiotic resistance and patient satisfaction in RTIs.¹

The Cochrane review …