Evaluating Guideline-Recommended Antibiotic Practices for Childhood Respiratory Infections: Is It Time to Consider
Heather Wright1, Asheley Cockrell Skinner1, Ravi Jhaveri2
1University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Objective:
We sought to better understand barriers to adherence to published guidelines for respiratory infections among community providers.
Methods:
A case-based survey was developed and emailed to all members of the state pediatric society. Providers chose their preferred management for acute otitis media, acute bacterial sinusitis, and community-acquired pneumonia. An "answer key" and a follow-up questionnaire were distributed to assess reevaluation of current practices.
Results:
We received 173 completed surveys (15% response rate). While most responders followed guideline recommendations (6 of the 10 questions with ≥ 65% choosing recommended antibiotic), discrepancies existed in several cases. After receiving the answer key, respondents said they reviewed the guidelines (69%), adjusted their practice (26%), used cases for teaching (9%), and discussed guidelines with colleagues (21%).
Conclusions:
The majority of respondents followed published guidelines, but there was a tendency to overuse azithromycin in certain cases. Future guidelines including case-based discussions may enhance adherence.
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