[Verified Answer]: When faced with a choice between 2 or more…

When faced with a choice between 2 or more possible treatment regimens, using a “STEPS” analysis may be a useful clinical decision making tool. The goal is to provide information for each agent and compare the results to aid in your decision. S: Safety – are there any serious drug interactions? Possible serious side effects or adverse drug reactions? T – Tolerability – consider any adverse drug effects or side effects that may be concerning to the patient such as: diarrhea, headaches, rash, etc. E – Efficacy – is one agent more efficacious than the other for the infection? P – Price – does the patient have insurance? will cost inhibit adherence or access to the medication? S – Simplicity – which regimen is simpler? Once a day dosing will likely have better adherence rates than three times a day dosing. Also, three days of an antibiotic may be preferable to 7-10 days. Depending on the drug you choose, the frequency and duration will vary.