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An evidence and consensus based guideline for acute diarrhoea management
K Armon1, T Stephenson, R MacFaul
1Academic Division of Child Health, School of Human Development, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK. mk.armon@ntlworld.com
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|July 24, 2001
Summary
This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for managing pediatric diarrhea. It helps doctors identify children needing admission versus those who can be safely discharged, ensuring appropriate care for dehydration.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Diarrhea is a common pediatric emergency department presentation.
- Effective management requires clear clinical assessment and treatment protocols.
- Existing guidelines may not fully address the nuances of pediatric dehydration.
Framework:
- Developed using systematic literature review and a Delphi consensus process.
- Involved 39 medical and nursing professionals to ensure broad agreement.
- Statements were graded for consensus, with 83% agreement required.
Implementation:
- Guideline focuses on clinical assessment, investigations, admission, and treatment.
- Addresses management of mild to severe dehydration, including rehydration strategies.
- Specifies use of oral rehydration solution and nasogastric tubes when necessary.
Implications:
- Aims to improve junior doctor decision-making in pediatric emergency care.
- Facilitates recognition of children requiring admission versus safe discharge.
- Successfully implemented and evaluated in a pediatric emergency department setting.