Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2025
Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: June 28, 2018
Exploring the burden of paediatric acute otitis media with discharge in the UK: a qualitative study
Elliot Heward1,2, Judith Lunn3, James Birkenshaw-Dempsey2
1Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK elliotheward@doctors.org.uk.
Insights
Acute otitis media with discharge (AOMd) significantly impacts children and families, causing physical, psychological, and social distress. Improved patient information and evidence-based guidelines are crucial for managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Acute otitis media with discharge (AOMd) arises from perforated tympanic membranes due to middle ear infections.
- The comprehensive impact of AOMd on children and young people (CYP) and their families remains inadequately understood.
- Experiences of healthcare professionals in managing AOMd require further exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the multifaceted impact of AOMd on CYP and their families.
- To understand the perspectives of healthcare professionals involved in AOMd treatment.
- To identify areas for improvement in patient care and information dissemination.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving interviews with 26 parents of CYP (7 months–15 years) with recent AOMd history.
- Focus groups conducted with 28 healthcare professionals from primary care, ENT, and emergency medicine.
- Thematic analysis performed independently by three reviewers to ensure rigorous data interpretation.
Main Results:
- Most CYP (96.2%) experienced recurrent AOMd episodes.
- AOMd imposes significant physical, psychological, educational, financial, and social burdens on CYP and parents.
- Parents reported difficulties accessing healthcare services and information, exacerbating anxiety; antibiotic overuse was a concern.
Conclusions:
- AOMd substantially affects the daily lives of CYP and their parents.
- Accessible and clear patient information is a priority for parents of CYP with AOMd.
- Development of evidence-based management guidelines is recommended pending high-quality evidence.
Background:
Acute otitis media with discharge (AOMd) results from a tympanic membrane perforation secondary to a middle ear infection. Currently, the impact of AOMd on children and young people (CYP) and their families is not well understood. There is also a need to explore the experience of healthcare professionals in treating AOMd. Interviews with CYP and their parents, and focus groups with medical professionals, were conducted to explore these objectives.
Methods:
A total of 26 parents of CYP (age range: 7 months to 15 years) with a history of AOMd (within the last year) and 28 medical professionals were recruited across the UK between August 2023 and March 2024. Healthcare professionals were from primary care (n=17), ear, nose and throat (ENT) (n=7) and emergency medicine (n=4) backgrounds. Thematic analysis was performed independently by three reviewers.
Results:
The majority of CYP (n=25/26) (96.2%) had suffered from multiple episodes of AOMd. AOMd has a physical, psychological, educational, financial and social impact on CYP and their parents. Parents found accessing healthcare services and information difficult, which increased parental anxiety. Antibiotic overuse was also a concern among parents. The majority of general practitioners and emergency care staff described using oral amoxicillin, compared with ENT doctors who predominantly prescribed topical antibiotics.
Conclusions:
AOMd has a significant impact on CYP and their parent's daily lives. Need for clear, easily accessible patient information was identified as a priority by the parents of CYP with AOMd. Evidence-based management guidelines should be developed once high-quality evidence is available.
Trial Registration Number:
ISCTRN43760.
More Related Videos
14:05Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
05:31Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
01:25Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
01:20Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause: