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Antibiotic prescribing rates for acute otitis media in a paediatric emergency department
Article first published online: 30 MAR 2006
DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2006.00830.x
Additional Information
How to Cite
Steinmann, K. and Babl, F. E. (2006), Antibiotic prescribing rates for acute otitis media in a paediatric emergency department. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 42: 204–205. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2006.00830.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 30 MAR 2006
- Article first published online: 30 MAR 2006
- Accepted for publication 2 November 2005.
- Abstract
- Article
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Keywords:
- acute otitis media;
- antibiotics;
- emergency department
Objective: To audit antibiotic prescribing rates for acute otitis media (AOM) at a tertiary paediatric emergency department (ED).
Methods: All children who presented to the ED in 2002 (during defined 4-week periods in spring, summer, autumn and winter) and were given a diagnosis of AOM were eligible for analysis. Data were extracted retrospectively, providing information on demographics and antibiotic therapy.
Results: A total of 306 patients with AOM were available for analysis. Forty-three children (14%) were <1 year, 69 (23%) 1–2 years, and 194 (63%) > 2 years of age. Sixty-eight patients (22%) were receiving antibiotics prior to presentation to the ED, and antibiotics were prescribed for 206 (67%). Antibiotic prescribing was independent of patient age.
Conclusions: Despite ready access to clinical guidelines that recommend an expectant approach for children with AOM who are older than 1 or 2 years of age, antibiotic prescribing rates were high in the ED.