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C-reactive protein point-of-care testing in children with cough: qualitative study of GPs' perceptions
Marjolein Jc Schot1, Berna Dl Broekhuizen2, Jochen Wl Cals3
1GP, PhD Student, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Insights
General practitioners
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- General practice diagnostics
- Point-of-care testing
Background:
- Point-of-care C-reactive protein (CRP) testing is standard for adults with acute cough in Dutch general practice.
- GP perceptions of CRP testing for children with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) are not well understood.
- Understanding these perceptions is crucial for potentially expanding CRP test indications to pediatric cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Dutch General Practitioners' (GPs) views on incorporating point-of-care CRP testing into the diagnostic process for children with suspected LRTI.
- To compare these perceptions with their established views on using CRP testing for adult patients.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study conducted in general practices across the Netherlands.
- Semi-structured interviews were performed with 11 GPs.
- Interview data were analyzed using open coding and thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- GPs' perceptions of point-of-care CRP testing in children with suspected LRTI differ significantly from their views on its use in adults.
- Five key themes emerged: patient characteristics, child vulnerability, clinical presentation, evidence availability, procedural impact, and CRP testing as a communication tool.
Conclusions:
- The distinct perceptions regarding point-of-care CRP testing in pediatric versus adult patients must be addressed.
- These differences are critical considerations for the potential implementation of CRP testing in the diagnosis of pediatric LRTI.
Background:
Point-of-care C-reactive protein (CRP) testing is widely accepted in Dutch general practice for adult patients with acute cough, but GPs' perceptions of its use in children with suspected lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) are unknown. Knowledge of these perceptions is important when considering broadening its indication to use in children.
Aim:
To explore the perceptions of Dutch GPs of the addition of point-of-care CRP testing to the diagnostic evaluation of children, and compare these to their perceptions of use in adults.
Design & Setting:
A qualitative study in general practice in the Netherlands.
Method:
Semi-structured interviews were held with 11 GPs. Interviews were analysed using open coding and a thematic approach.
Results:
GPs' perceptions of the addition of point-of-care CRP testing to diagnostic process in children with suspected LRTI differ from their perceptions of this in adults. Five themes were identified: patient characteristics; vulnerability of the child; clinical presentation; availability of evidence; the impact of the procedure; and use of point-of-care CRP testing as a communication tool.
Conclusion:
Differences between the perceptions of using point-of-care CRP testing in children and adults need to be addressed when considering the possible implementation of this diagnostic instrument.