Related Experiment Videos
Group B streptococcal disease prevention practices of obstetrician-gynecologists
J P Watt1, A Schuchat, K Erickson
1Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. jwatt@cdc.gov
Objective:
To describe group B streptococcal (GBS) disease prevention practices of obstetrician-gynecologists.
Methods:
We surveyed 1019 ACOG Fellows-the 419 members of the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network (CARN) and 600 randomly selected non-CARN Fellows.
Results:
There were 601 eligible respondents. More than 95% in both the CARN and the non-CARN groups reported adopting one of three GBS prevention strategies. The most commonly reported strategy was a combination approach not described in the consensus guidelines. The second most common strategy was the screening-based strategy; the risk-based strategy was third. Most respondents provided GBS information to all prenatal patients, but those using a risk-based strategy and those in solo practice were less likely to do so. Less than 60% in each group used penicillin as their first choice for GBS prophylaxis. More than 20% in each group who routinely screened for GBS did not collect both vaginal and rectal cultures. Respondents rated ACOG publications as the most important influence on their GBS prevention approach.
Conclusion:
Almost all ACOG Fellows have adopted a GBS prevention strategy. The importance of providing GBS prevention information to all patients, use of penicillin, and collection of both vaginal and rectal cultures should be reinforced.