Low Uptake of Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Respiratory Tract Infections in an Urban Safety Net Hospital.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have been developed with the aim of providing accurate results in a timely manner. Despite this, studies report that provider uptake remains low.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of ambulatory, urgent care, and emergency department (ED) encounters at an urban safety net hospital with a primary diagnosis of an upper or lower respiratory tract infection (eg, bronchitis, pharyngitis, acute sinusitis) from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018. We collected RDT type and results, antibiotics prescribed, demographic and clinical patient information, and provider demographics.

Results

RDT use was low; a test was performed at 29.5% of the 33494 visits. The RDT most often ordered was the rapid Group A Strepto

SUBMITTER: Burrowes SAB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7060900 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature