Diagnostic accuracy and the observation option in acute otitis media: the Capital Region Otitis Project

Clinician Knowledge and Beliefs after Statewide Program to Promote Appropriate Antimicrobial Drug Use

“…Clinicians in practice >10 years demonstrated the greatest improvements and may benefit most from educational interventions. Further research should include the development and evaluation of interventions to improve antimicrobial agent selection (narrow-spectrum versus broad-spectrum) and an assessment of new clinical strategies to optimize antimicrobial agent usage (e.g., a 72-hour waiting period for selected patients with mild acute otitis media) (39,40). The documented success of these smaller campaigns in changing the medical culture surrounding antimicrobial drug prescribing has prompted its expansion to the national level.…”

Clinical qualitative evaluation of the diagnosis of acute otitis media in general practice

“…Practical training could allow each practitioner to learn the different techniques and become skilful which would bring them security and save time. The importance of these post-graduate trainings is confirmed by an American survey published in 2005 [24]. This survey proves that a didactic and practical training of the GPs based on the experience could change their way of diagnosing AOM and their therapy.…”

Observation Option for Acute Otitis Media in the Emergency Department

“…As a result of this policy, the percentage of patients given antibiotics for AOM in the Netherlands is approximately 31%. 8 Excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics has been linked to a rising prevalence of penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae. 8 Penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae increased from 27.5% in 1995 to 43.8% in 1997.…”