Acute Otitis Media Guidelines Research Articles

171. Retrospective Review of Management of Acute Otitis Media in a Canadian Pediatric Emergency Department

Abstract Background Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is a leading cause of antibiotic prescription in children. Watchful waiting is the preferred strategy for AOM management for mildly ill children ≥ 2-years-old however current clinical practice varies. This study aims to compare published AOM guidelines by the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) with clinical practice in a Canadian academic tertiary care emergency department (ED). Methods We performed a retrospective review on AOM ED visits at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) from 1/2021 to 12/2021. Measures of non-adherence to the CPS AOM guideline were defined as follows: missed opportunity for watchful waiting, diagnostic criteria absent or not recorded, prolonged duration of treatment, lack of immediate treatment, and inappropriate agent. Additionally we explored if guideline-discordant antibiotic prescribing practices differ by geographic locale (rural vs non-rural as determined by postal code) and preferred language. The postal code was linked to a Material and Social Deprivation Index (MSDI) from INSPQ as a proxy for socio-economic status. Results 442 patients were included (Table 1). 66.5% patients met criteria of non-adherence (Table 2). 41.9% patients received antibiotics despite being categorized as mildly ill. 29.6% patients received antibiotics, despite having no/undocumented middle ear effusion or bulging tympanic membrane. 6.6% received longer duration of antibiotics (10 days) despite lack of complications such as perforation. 4.1% received non-penicillin antibiotics as first-line treatment. 1.4% received parachute prescriptions despite being categorized as severely ill. After controlling for language and rurality, the odds of being in any non-adherence group were not higher for patients in higher deprivation quintiles compared to those in the lowest deprivation quintile (Figure 1, 2).Figure 1.Distribution of Material Deprivation Quintiles by Non-adherence Type Conclusion 2/3rd of ED patients met criteria of guideline non-adherence. Material deprivation was not a predictor of non-adherence. The two domains of watchful waiting and applying diagnostic criteria can serve as specific benchmarks to improve antibiotic prescribing practices in ED settings. Pragmatic management of AOM using current guidelines may be biased towards immediate treatment rather than timely follow-up.Figure 2.Odds ratio of any non-adherence for material deprivation quintile adjusted for language and rurality Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Parental experiences and opinions regarding the management of acute otitis media in Finland-a comparative questionnaire between 2006 and 2019.

Treatment guidelines for acute otitis media (AOM) have changed over the past 20 years. Watchful waiting is often recommended as an option for antibiotic treatment and the use of proper pain medication is emphasised. To study parental experiences and opinions regarding the management of AOM and compare our findings with our previous questionnaire submitted in 2006. We sent an online survey link through day-care centres and Facebook parental groups in Turku area. Children <4 years of age attending day care were included in the analysis. We asked about the child's history of AOM, parental opinions about AOM treatment, and antibiotic resistance. Results of 2019 were compared with those of 2006. Altogether 84% (320/381) and 83% (568/681) of children had had at least 1 episode of AOM in 2019 and 2006, respectively. In 2019, more children had been treated without antibiotics (30% vs. 13%, P < 0.001) and fewer parents thought that antibiotics are necessary for the treatment of AOM (70% vs. 85%, P < 0.001) compared with 2006. The use and knowledge of painkillers had increased over the past 13 years. Painkillers had been given at least once to 93% (296/320) of children in 2019 and 80% (441/552) of children in 2006 (P < 0.001). Today, more parents accept watchful waiting as a treatment option for AOM and give painkillers to their children, which indicates that the education about optimal management of AOM has reached parents.

Newer modalities in otitis media

Otitis media continues to be one of the most frequent causes of outpatient visits, antibiotic prescriptions, and surgery in India, but there has been little advancement in the creation of new therapies for the prevention and treatment of this disorder, highlighting the urgent need for further research into the pathophysiology of this condition. New management guidelines for acute otitis media, chronic otitis media, and tympanostomy tube implantation have just been published. Exciting new technologies are being researched into creative ways to enhance the diagnosis of otitis media, as discussed in this article. Recent developments in mucosal immunology and genetics have provided hints about the pathophysiology underlining the predisposition for otitis media. Future work aimed at altering these pathophysiologic bases, maybe through transtympanic drug delivery devices, should have a significant impact on how this illness is managed. Recent years have witnessed significant advancements in the study of innovative approaches to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapy of otitis media. Within the next few years, it&#39;s expected that approaches to significantly changing the diagnosis and treatment of the ailment will be integrated into clinical practise.

Improving Adherence to AAP Acute Otitis Media Guidelines in an Academic Pediatrics Practice through a Quality Improvement Project.

Introduction:Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common reason for antibiotic use in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published its latest AOM guidelines in 2013. A safety-net antibiotic prescription (SNAP) is recommended for some patients based on age, severity, and duration of symptoms. At baseline, 78% of patients diagnosed with AOM in our general pediatrics practice met AAP guidelines, and 20% of eligible patients received a SNAP according to guidelines. We aimed to increase adherence to AAP AOM guidelines in an academic general pediatrics clinic from 78% to 90% by January 2020.Methods:A quality improvement team determined key drivers and developed interventions. Patients included were 6 months to 12 years old with AOM. Encounters were reviewed for adherence to AAP AOM guidelines. During the project, interventions included an ear pain note template, which generated guideline-based recommendations, note template education in clinic orientation sessions, a didactic session on AOM management, and reminders on workstations. Data were analyzed using P-charts.Results:Percent of AOM encounters (n = 1266) adhering to AAP AOM guidelines increased from 78% to 92%. We also reviewed two process measures. First, the use of the ear pain note template increased from 0% to 44%. Second, the percent of AOM encounters where an eligible patient received a SNAP increased from 21% to 78% (encounters n = 421).Conclusion:We demonstrate increased adherence to AAP AOM guidelines, including improved use of SNAPs after introducing a note template with clinical decision support and provider educational sessions.

Improving Emergency Department Use of Safety-Net Antibiotic Prescriptions for Acute Otitis Media.

Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common reason for pediatric antibiotic prescriptions. The 2013 American Academy of Pediatrics' AOM guidelines recommend observation for nonsevere AOM. Our aim was to increase the percentage safety-net antibiotic prescription (SNAP) offered to patients 6 months of age or older diagnosed with AOM in 2 pediatric emergency departments (EDs) from a baseline of 0.5% to 15% in 20 months. This is a quality improvement study at a quaternary pediatric medical center with 2 locations, both with EDs. A random chart review revealed that 27.5% of patients diagnosed with AOM in the ED would qualify for a SNAP, but only 0.5% were offered it. Quality improvement interventions were designed to improve safety-net antibiotic prescribing. Both EDs conducted multiple interventions, including algorithm development, provider education, and electronic medical record aids. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of patients offered a SNAP for AOM. A total of 8226 children 6 months of age or older were diagnosed with AOM in our 2 EDs during the 20-month intervention period. The percentage offered a SNAP increased at both EDs. One ED had a single shift in the mean to 7.9%, whereas the other had 2 shifts in the mean, an initial shift to 5.1% and a second to 7.3%. Providers consistently used the algorithm and electronic medical record aids. Safety-net antibiotic prescriptions in conjunction with parent education was effective in reducing the use of immediate antibiotic prescriptions in children with AOM in 2 pediatric EDs. Offering a SNAP can reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics, which in turn may decrease antibiotic-related adverse events and antibiotic resistance.

Probiotic Prescription Status of Pediatric Patients with Otitis Media Receiving Oral Amoxicillin or Amoxicillin/Clavulanate from April 2016 to March 2017 Using a Japanese Health Insurance Claims Database.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a typical side effect of antibiotic treatment, especially in children. Amoxicillin (AMPC) and amoxicillin/clavulanate (AMPC/CVA) are associated with high risk of AAD; however, these antibiotics are important in the pediatric field. Recent research suggests that probiotics prevent pediatric AAD, including that caused by AMPC and AMPC/CVA. Indeed, guidelines for acute otitis media in children recommend the concomitant use of probiotics. However, the prescription status of probiotics for pediatric patients with otitis media receiving oral AMPC and AMPC/CVA remains unknown. We therefore conducted a survey to clarify the current status of these prescriptions and, in particular, to identify specific populations with a low proportion of probiotic prescriptions. Pediatric patients (≤15 years of age) newly prescribed oral AMPC or AMPC/CVA for otitis media between April 2016 and March 2017 were identified from a Japanese health insurance claims database. Eligible patients were divided into the AMPC (1303 patients) and AMPC/CVA (424 patients) groups, in which 659 (50.6%) and 293 (69.1%) patients were prescribed probiotics, respectively. Of the patients receiving probiotic prescriptions in the AMPC and AMPC/CVA groups, 632 (95.9%) and 286 (97.6%) patients received antibiotic-resistant probiotic prescriptions, respectively. When classified by the prescribing clinical department and patient age, the proportions of probiotic prescriptions in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics departments were lower than those in the Otorhinolaryngology department regardless of age. These results indicate the probability of insufficient probiotic prescriptions for pediatric patients with otitis media. Solving this issue may lead to the provision of safer antimicrobial therapy.

Clinical practice guidelines for acute otitis media in children: a systematic review and appraisal of European national guidelines

ObjectivesTo appraise European guidelines for acute otitis media (AOM) in children, including methodological quality, level of evidence (LoE), astrength of recommendations (SoR), and consideration of antibiotic stewardship.DesignSystematic review of the...

Education, decision support, feedback and a minor reward: a novel antimicrobial Stewardship intervention in a Swedish paediatric emergency setting

Background: Sweden enjoys a favourable situation with regard to antimicrobial resistance. However, healthcare costs are expected to increase exponentially, along with increased morbidity and mortality, due to the emergence of resistant bacterial strains. Our aim was to design an antimicrobial stewardship programme suitable for Scandinavian settings.Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted in a Swedish paediatric emergency department, evaluating adherence to national guidelines for acute otitis media and acute tonsillitis. The programme consisted of educational outreach, decision support, feedback, and a minor reward upon reaching a pre-defined adherence rate.Results: The largest impact, significant for both diagnoses, was on the practice of refraining from antibiotic use when recommended. The other variables evaluated showed no significant improvement for either condition; however, in most cases, pre-interventional adherence was already high.Conclusions: This relatively easily implementable ASP intervention showed a significant effect on correctly refraining from the use of antibiotics. Previous interventions in Scandinavia either failed to accomplish this or have been more logistically difficult. The combination of education, decision support, email-based feedback and a minor reward, offers an alternative. Future research will be needed to assess whether the result is sustainable, as well as to identify additional barriers to the judicious use of antibiotics not addressed in this study.

A Multifaceted Quality Improvement Intervention to Improve Watchful Waiting in Acute Otitis Media Management.

Despite the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for acute otitis media (AOM) describing a watchful waiting (WW) approach in qualifying patients, immediate antibiotics are consistently overutilized. The study team developed a multifaceted quality improvement intervention that educated providers and families about WW and included a behavioral component to modify physician prescribing patterns. We used data from a prior study of 250 patients 18 years old and younger with AOM in a tertiary care children's hospital emergency department (ED) to characterize baseline AOM management before interventions. In this study, interventions took place from September to December 2016. Following the interventions, 65 patients were randomly selected, which would allow for the detection of a 20% increase in adherence to AAP guidelines for management of AOM. In the preintervention cohort of 250 patients, 247 had documented AOM. Two hundred thirty-one (93.5%) received immediate antibiotics, 7 (2.8%) underwent WW, and 9 (3.6%) were sent home without antibiotics. Overall management agreed with AAP guidelines at a rate of 44.1%. In the postintervention cohort of 65 patients, 63 met age and diagnostic criteria for AOM; 56 (88.9%) patients received immediate antibiotics; and 7 (11.1%) underwent WW. Postintervention, which the ED management of AOM agreed with AAP guidelines 60.3% of the time, was significantly increased from preintervention adherence (P = 0.02). A multipronged quality improvement intervention for AOM management in a single pediatric ED significantly improved adherence to AAP guidelines by increasing WW and reducing immediate antibiotic prescriptions.

Acute Otitis Media in Childhood - Use of Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment in Emergency Rooms

Background: AOM is characterized by its high prevalence and morbidity but low lethality. It is estimated that 70% of children will have had one episode prior to completing five years of age Compliance with the guidelines for acute otitis media (AOM) may avoid complications. This study aimed at determining whether pediatricians follow the guidelines for AOM management. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study involving pediatricians working in emergency centers in Recife. A specific questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: Of the 71 pediatrics interviewed around 98% gave importance to crying/irritability and otalgia when diagnosing otitis and all recognized the significance of otorrhoea. All the professionals gave importance to bulging tympanic membrane, 98.6% to acute tympanic membrane perforation, 97.1% to purulent effusion and 46.5% to bilateral hyperemia of the tympanic membrane. Regarding antibiotic therapy, 70.4% used standard doses of amoxicillin as first-line treatment (81.7% prescribing for 10 days). Furthermore only 47.9% double the dose in case of therapeutic failure. Conclusion: Pediatricians working in emergency departments need to be better informed about the guidelines to decrease inappropriate prescription of antibiotics for AOM. We believe that adoption of the “wait and see” strategy, even in emergency rooms, would be an important means of reducing the inadequate prescription of antibiotics in cases of AOM, thus contributing towards reducing bacterial resistance.

Adherence to Egyptian pediatric acute otitis media guideline in Egypt

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the adherence of different specialties (family physicians, pediatricians, and otolaryngologists) to Egyptian clinical practice guideline dealing with pediatric acute otitis media (AOM) in Egypt. Background Egyptian clinical practice guideline for AOM has been promoted as a strategy to measure and improve the quality of patient care. However, more efforts have been expended on creating guidelines than implementing them. Patients and methods It was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Participants from different specialties, such as family physicians, pediatricians, and otolaryngologists were selected by systematic random techniques from the list of participants in the conferences. A self-administered questionnaire with 26 items that covered all the aspects of management of Egyptian clinical practice guideline for AOM was distributed to the participants to assess their adherence to the Egyptian guideline of AOM. Results Poor adherence to the Egyptian guideline of AOM was detected in all specialties without significant differences (92.5% of family physicians, 100% of otolaryngologists, and 100% of pediatricians). A physician's age, sex, scientific degree, and experience did not significantly affect the adherence. Conclusion Poor adherence of different specialties to the Egyptian guideline of AOM in Egypt was observed. Resolving this challenge will require comprehensive policy appraisal and harmonized actions at different AOM health care providers. Mere dissemination of evidence and promotion of guidelines will not help.

282. Adherence to Acute Otitis Media guidelines in Pediatricians’ Offices, Urgent Care Centers, and a Pediatric Emergency Department

BackgroundAcute otitis media (AOM) is a common diagnosis in outpatient pediatrics that often results in antibiotic prescriptions. In 2013, revised clinical practice guidelines for AOM by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended reserving antibiotics and a watchful waiting (WW) approach in most scenarios; amoxicillin ±clavulanate as first-line agents if treating; and courses of >7 days to be clearly indicated only in severe cases in those ≤2 years old. Adherence to AOM guidelines amongst pediatric providers, especially in nonacademic outpatient settings, has not been well characterized.MethodsIn a large community-based sepsis point prevalence study, diagnosis, antibiotic prescription, and other data were collected from all patients aged 0 to 18 years seen on September 5, 2016, December 5, 2016, March 6, 2017, and June 5, 2017, in the Emergency Department (ED) of the Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, 11 primary pediatric (PMD) offices, and 2 private urgent care centers (UCC) in Buffalo, NY. For this secondary analysis, all children with a provider diagnosis of acute otitis media (AOM) were identified. Adherence to AAP AOM guidelines were analyzed and compared relative to clinical care setting.ResultsOf 2,062 sick visits, 6% (121) were diagnosed with AOM, and in 82% of these antibiotics were prescribed: 91% (39/43) in ED; 70% (21/30) in UCC; 83% (40/48) in PMD, P = 0.071. When prescribed, 69% of antibiotics were first-line agents. In UCC and PMD, oral third-generation cephalosporins were the most common non-first-line agents, followed by azithromycin (20% and 8% of all antibiotic prescribed cases respectively). Ninety percent of antibiotic courses were ≥7 days. There were no differences in prescribing practices between outpatient settingsConclusionA recent study found that WW is clinically appropriate in >50% of pediatric AOM and overall cost-effective. However, in our analysis, antibiotics are still being prescribed in four out of five cases. Non-first-line agents, which are excessively broad and/or suboptimal in targeting the main pathogens for pediatric AOM, are given in over a quarter of prescriptions. Increasing awareness and adherence to AOM guidelines, in various outpatient settings, should be a major target of pediatric antibiotic stewardship efforts.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Current management and referral patterns of pediatricians for acute otitis media

ObjectiveThe American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the management of acute otitis media (AOM), most recently revised in 2013. This study aims to assess current practice patterns and how they compare to the published guideline. MethodsAn 11 question survey addressing topics included in the 2013 AAP AOM guidelines was mailed to 196 practicing pediatricians. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and ANOVA testing. Results76 (38%) completed surveys were returned. 75% of respondents were in group practice (non-academic) and 83% were in practice 11 years or more. 93% were members of the AAP. 46% of responding pediatricians use pneumatic otoscopy and/or tympanometry at least once a day to aid in the diagnosis of AOM, while 28% never do. 15% of respondents would choose close observation over antibiotics in a child under the age of 2 years with unilateral non-severe AOM while 50% would choose close observation in a child over age 2. 75% would make a referral to Otolaryngology for recurrent AOM. No significant differences were noted in responses based on practice type, years in practice, or Otolaryngology experience during residency training. ConclusionsCurrent pediatrician practice and referral patterns for AOM are not consistent with 2013 Guidelines from the AAP. As consulting surgeons, Otolaryngologists should have knowledge of management protocols in related specialties that can have an impact on their practice.

Acute mastoiditis in an Italian pediatric tertiary medical center: a 15 \u2013 year retrospective study

BackgroundAcute mastoiditis is the main suppurative complication of acute otitis media. Its incidence ranges from 1.2 to 4.2/100.000 children/year and a rise has been reported in the last years. There are controversial data regarding risk factors for mastoiditis and its complications.Aim of the study: to evaluate demographics and clinical characteristics of children with acute mastoiditis and to identify possible risk factors for complications.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed medical charts of all the children aged 1 month-14 years admitted to our Paediatric Emergency Department from January 2002 to December 2016.ResultsOne hundred forty-seven cases (97 males and 50 females) were included in the analysis, mean age was 4.8 ± 3.6 years and 28.2% of the patients were younger than 2 years. We found an increasing number of mastoiditis per year during the last 3 years of the study. Children younger than 2 years were less treated with antibiotics for acute otitis media or treated for a shorter period (p < 0.05), while they were treated at higher antibiotic’s dosage for mastoiditis (p < 0.01). Older children presented more frequently with symptoms such as earache or retroauricular pain (p < 0.0001, p < 0.001). We didn’t identify any risk factor for mastoiditis complications in our study.ConclusionsDespite the introduction of pneumococcal vaccines, the incidence of acute mastoiditis in our population has not been reduced during the last years. We have to face all the reasons why this condition is still relevant, such as antibiotic resistance, new pathogens involved and a possible role played by the implementations of therapeutic acute otitis media guidelines restricting the use of antibiotics in this disease. A particular attention should be given to younger children where signs and symptoms may be less pronounced, therefore acute otitis media or mastoiditis may be misunderstood and appropriate treatment delayed.

Consumption of antibiotics by children in Greece: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundGreece is among the European countries with the highest consumption of antibiotics.ObjectivesTo study the rates and characteristics of consumption of antibiotics in the community by children in Greece.MethodsQuestionnaire-based study of parents of hospitalized children.ResultsA total of 549 children were studied; 247 (45%) received at least one course of antibiotics the previous year (mean number of antibiotic courses the past year: 1.9), including 427 (91.8%) following examination by a pediatrician, 6 (1.3%) following phone consultation, 2 (0.4%) following suggestion by a pharmacist and 2 (0.4%) as self-medication. Prevalent reasons for antibiotic consumption were acute otitis media (AOM) (27.3%), pharyngotonsillitiss (25.4%), and bronchitis (17.8%). Amoxicillin-clavulanate was the prevalent antibiotic for pharyngotonsillitis, urinary tract infection (UTI) and skin infection (30.5%, 35.7% and 36.4% of cases, respectively), amoxicillin for AOM and pneumonia (32.3% and 36.4% of cases, respectively), and clarithromycin for bronchitis (27.7%). We found 84.3%, 81.9%, 64.3%, 63.7%, and 50% of parents reporting treatment consisted with the national guidelines for AOM, pneumonia, UTI, skin infection, and pharyngotonsillitis, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, an age of 1–5 years and asthma were significantly associated with a higher probability for antibiotic consumption.ConclusionsAntibiotic consumption of children in Greece is mainly driven by pediatricians. Continuing medical education is expected to further improve antibiotic prescription practices by pediatricians.

Cost-Effectiveness of Watchful Waiting in Acute Otitis Media.

American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for acute otitis media (AOM) allow for children meeting certain criteria to undergo watchful waiting (WW). The cost-effectiveness of this policy has not been evaluated in the United States. A retrospective review of a random selection of 250 patients ≤18 years old with AOM in the emergency department of a tertiary care children's hospital was used to characterize current practice of AOM management. These data were incorporated into a decision-analytic cost-utility model comparing the cost-effectiveness of implementing WW to current practice. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) expressed in 2015 USD per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted from a societal perspective. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted. From this cohort, chart review confirmed 247 actually had AOM on physical examination. Of these, 231 (93.5%) were prescribed antibiotics, 7 (2.8%) underwent WW, and 9 (3.6%) were sent home without an antibiotic prescription. When American Academy of Pediatrics criteria for WW were applied to this population, 104 patients (42.1%) met conditions for immediate antibiotic prescription, and 143 patients (57.9%) qualified for WW. In our modeled scenario, for every 1000 patients with AOM, implementing WW yielded 514 fewer immediate antibiotic prescriptions and 205 fewer antibiotic prescriptions used, averting 14.3 DALYs, and saving $5573. The preferability of WW over current practice proved highly robust to sensitivity analysis. WW for AOM management is cost-effective. Implementing WW may improve outcomes and reduce health care expenditures.

Teaching Residents Clinical Practice Guidelines Using a Flipped Classroom Model

Prior studies have demonstrated poor guideline compliance by pediatricians, and there is no published curriculum on how to teach clinical guidelines. Furthermore, in a national survey of pediatric residency training programs conducted in 2015, only two had a formal curriculum for teaching clinical guidelines. This module provides a framework for teaching residents clinical guidelines through a modified flipped classroom approach. Associated materials include a guide for faculty facilitators, sample slides and worksheet, and pictures of the classroom setup. In this module, the guidelines for acute otitis media (AOM), obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are taught in three sessions and evaluated with a pre-/posttest assessing knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and satisfaction. Each guideline is delivered in a 30-minute session, with five learners per group. Faculty training requires approximately 30 minutes of preparation. The intervention groups (n = 9 for OSAS, 10 each for AOM and ADHD) received three weekly, half-hour flipped classroom lessons. The control group (n = 19) had no formal guideline education. Pre-/posttests showed a statistically significant improvement in knowledge and attitudes in the group of interns who received this educational intervention over the control group. The learners rated the sessions as highly effective. This module provides an efficient and effective way of utilizing a modified flipped classroom approach to teach learners the correct use of clinical guidelines, a skill residents must master to provide evidence-based care. This curriculum has been successfully incorporated into our pediatric residency program.

The use of practice guidelines in the management of pediatric cases of Acute Otitis Media in Amman, Jordan

ObjectivesThe widespread emergence of antimicrobial resistance has led many healthcare institutions to adopt more conservative antibiotic prescription practice guidelines for the treatment of acute otitis media (AOM). Little is known about the awareness and use of such guidelines by physicians in Jordan. Our aim was to pilot an anonymous survey instrument that would assess AOM treatment trends as well as awareness of and adherence to practice guidelines in Amman. By qualitatively assessing the management of AOM we could illuminate possible disparities in treatment trends, evaluate variability in practice guideline adherence, and help focus efforts of future educational programs that pertain to pediatric AOM management. MethodsA total of 71 practicing physicians were anonymously surveyed in Amman, Jordan. The survey assessed awareness of and adherence to practice guidelines by prompting responses to hypothetical AOM cases. Differences in performance between various physician groups were noted. ResultsIn total, participants answered 61.2% of the questions correctly. It was found that trainees would prescribe more appropriate antibiotics relative to attending physicians (p = 0.008). It was found that medical physicians followed guidelines more appropriately relative to ENT surgeons (64.2% of questions answered correctly vs. 58.1% of questions answered correctly; p = 0.015) and that physicians who report adhering to guidelines all/most of the time followed guidelines more appropriately relative to those who report adhering only sometimes or never (64.0% of questions answered correctly vs. 58.0% of questions answered correctly; p = 0.011). Also, cases that dealt with children were the most difficult for participants to diagnose as compared with cases that dealt with adults. ConclusionWe conducted the first known qualitative analysis of otitis media practices in Amman and found numerous shortcomings in AOM guideline familiarity. Awareness of practice guidelines can lead to more appropriate AOM management, but there is variability between groups in guideline familiarity and utilization. Interventions that promote more conservative antibiotic prescriptions could be targeted towards groups that prescribe antibiotics less appropriately relative to their colleagues e.g. attending physicians and ENT surgeons. Interventions could also target physicians who manage pediatric AOM cases as participants had the most difficulty in properly diagnosing cases that involved children and infants.

Adherence to acute otitis media diagnosis and treatment guidelines among Israeli otolaryngologists

IntroductionThe recent Israeli acute otitis media (AOM) guidelines, drafted mainly by pediatricians and family physicians in 2013, addressed diagnostic and therapeutic issues, in order to reduce over-diagnosis and treatment. These guidelines are considered as the 'standard of care' for AOM management. While the adherence rate of pediatricians to previous Israeli AOM guidelines (2004) was reported to be high (>85%), the compliance of otolaryngologists has not been studied. MethodsAn anonymous 19-item questionnaire was circulated among practicing Israeli otolaryngologists (residents [n = 93], specialists [n = 283]). All the items were scored according to the number of correct answers in line with the guidelines, and summed on a 0–100 scale. ResultsResponse rate was 34% (n = 127). Overall, scores of correct answers of residents (n = 48, 52% of all residents) and specialists (n = 79, 28% of all specialists) were similar, and showed comparable moderate adherence to both guidelines: 55.7 vs 58.3 (p = 0.26). Residents were more likely to adhere to the U.S. guidelines, when compared to specialists (score difference 6.1 vs 2.8, p = 0.008). Responders preferred the microscope for diagnosis (48%), over the recommended (pneumatic) otoscope (62%) (p = 0.05), and were more likely to start antibiotic therapy (62%), rather than the 'watchful waiting’ (38%) (p = 0.03). Concerning antibiotic treatment, 50% of otolaryngologists prescribed amoxicillin as recommended, at 60–80 mg/kg/d. ConclusionThe moderate adherence rate suggests that the guidelines were partially adopted by otolaryngologists, who use different instrumentation than recommended, and treat more severe/complicated cases. Over-treatment with antibiotics and inaccurate dosing regimens are still common. Better implementation of the AOM guidelines among otolaryngologists should be performed in designated training platforms.

Antibiotic prescribing for acute otitis media and acute sinusitis: a cross-sectional analysis of the ReCEnT study exploring the habits of early career doctors in family practice.

Antibiotic resistance is a public health concern, and is linked to over-prescribing. In self-limiting infections such as acute otitis media (AOM) and acute sinusitis, prescribing remains high despite strong guideline recommendations against the routine use of antibiotics. Early career General Practitioners may find evidence-based prescribing challenging. To establish the prevalence and associations of antibiotic prescribing for AOM and acute sinusitis by Australian vocational trainees in General Practice. A cross-sectional analysis of data from the Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training (ReCEnT) study. This ongoing, multicentre prospective cohort study documents trainees' consultation-based clinical experiences. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted on data recorded in consultations for AOM or acute sinusitis in nine collection periods during 2010-2014. Data from 856 individual trainees (response rate 95.2%) were analysed. AOM was managed in 0.9% of encounters. Antibiotics were prescribed in 78.8% of cases. Prescribing was significantly associated with longer consultation time and first presentation for this problem. There was no significant association with patient age group. Acute sinusitis was managed in 0.9% of encounters. Antibiotics were prescribed in 71.2% of cases. Later-stage trainees and trainees who did not receive their primary medical qualification in Australia were more likely to prescribe an antibiotic for acute sinusitis. Early career GPs are not prescribing in an evidence-based manner. The complexity of guidelines for AOM and acute sinusitis may be confusing for prescribers, especially early career doctors struggling with inexperience and diagnostic uncertainty. Educational interventions are necessary to bring prescribing rates closer to quality benchmarks.