Association Between Antibiotic Prescribing and Time to Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Diagnostic delay can negatively affect patient outcomes in head and neck cancer (HNC). Neck mass and other symptoms of undiagnosed HNC may be treated with antibiotics, delaying diagnosis and treatment, despite current clinical practice guidelines.

Objective

To investigate temporal trends, associated factors, and time from symptom onset to antibiotic prescribing before an HNC diagnosis.

Design, setting, and participants

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data obtained from a deidentified electronic health records data set from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2018. Patients with HNC enrolled in the data set for at least 1 year before diagnosis date determined by either 1 inpatient encounter or first of 2 outpatient encounters within 6 months we

SUBMITTER: Gallogly JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10450587 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature