Diagnostic methods for acute otitis media in 1 to 12 year old children: a cross sectional study in primary health care.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Otoscopy alone has low sensitivity and specificity for acute otitis media (AOM). Otomicroscopy and pneumatic methods are superior to otoscopy. However, these methods require clinical skills. The use of different diagnostic methods for AOM differs between countries and has not been evaluated in Sweden since new guidelines were introduced in 2010. This study aimed to describe the extent of which diagnostic methods and written advice were used for AOM in children 1 to 12 years old.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study all general practitioners (GPs) and specialist trainees in primary care (STs) at 27 primary health care centres in Sweden were asked to complete a self-administrated questionnaire including diagnostic approach and the management of AOM; 75% (111/148) r

SUBMITTER: Sundvall PD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6739966 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature