Differences among physicians in the treatment of children with vomiting

P K Jaudes1, K K Christoffel

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Illinois.

Family Practice Research Journal
|January 1, 1986
PubMed

Insights

Pediatricians with specialized training are more likely to prescribe clear liquids for children experiencing vomiting. Physicians without pediatric training less frequently recommend this safe and effective treatment, highlighting a need for improved education.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology
  • Medical Education

Background:

  • Vomiting is a frequent pediatric concern.
  • Clear liquids are the recommended treatment for uncomplicated pediatric vomiting.
  • Adherence to recommended treatments can vary among healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prescribing practices of different physician groups for pediatric vomiting.
  • To identify variations in the use of clear liquid therapy based on physician training.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was administered to four physician groups: board-certified pediatricians (BCP), board-certified family practitioners (BCFP), non-board-certified pediatric practitioners (NBCP), and non-pediatric practitioners (NPT).
  • Physicians were presented with ten treatment options for four pediatric age groups (less than 1, 1-5, 6-10, and >10 years).

Main Results:

  • Physicians with pediatric training (BCP, BCFP, NBCP) prescribed clear liquids more frequently than those without (NPT) across all age groups.
  • Milk and drug treatments were prescribed more often by physicians without pediatric training.
  • Non-clear liquid treatments pose risks, particularly for infants under one year.

Conclusions:

  • Physicians with pediatric training demonstrate higher adherence to recommended clear liquid therapy for vomiting children.
  • A knowledge gap regarding optimal pediatric vomiting management may exist among physicians without specific pediatric training.
  • Further education on treating pediatric vomiting is recommended for all physicians, especially those lacking pediatric expertise.

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