Feasibility survey for a study on selective antibiotic management of acute otitis media

To assess the views of community physicians on management of acute otitis media (AOM) without antibiotics and their willingness to support research on this issue.

Community physicians who admit to a children's hospital were surveyed using a questionnaire containing questions on current issues in AOM management and their willingness to support research on management of AOM without antibiotics.

Fifty-two percent of the surveys were returned. All respondents report concern about antibiotic resistant bacteria. Sixty-three percent treat otitis media with effusion with antibiotics and 68% give prophylactic antibiotics for recurrent otitis media. Thirty-five percent consider management of AOM without antibiotics as a possible alternative management practice. Forty-five percent of the respondents are willing to support research in this practice and 46% need more information.

Surveyed physicians indicate concern about antibiotic resistance and a willingness to support further research on the initial management of acute otitis media without antibiotics.