Do general practitioners adhere to the guideline on infectious conjunctivitis? Results of the Second Dutch National Survey of General Practice

Abstract

Background: In 1996 the guideline 'The Red Eye' was first published by the Dutch College of General Practitioners. The extent to which general practitioners adhere to this guideline is unclear. Recently, data on the management of infectious conjunctivitis by general practitioners became available from the Second Dutch National Survey of General Practice. We measured the agespecific incidence of infectious conjunctivitis, described its management by Dutch general practitioners, and then compared these findings with the recommendations made in the guideline.

Does social marketing provide a framework for changing healthcare practice?

“…Chidgey et al [28] make a similar point suggesting that "40% of patients are receiving care in line with best practice guidelines covering four common conditions but implementation is patchy". The issue of non-compliance is not unique to England [43,44] or to secondary care [31,37,45].…”

Awareness and Knowledge of Female Medical Students in Tabuk University Regarding Conjunctivitis.

“…Bacteria or viruses can get in eyes through contact with contaminated objects, including hands, cosmetics, washcloths or towels, artificial eyelashes and even soft contact lenses. [17] In conclusion, awareness and knowledge of conjunctivitis among female medical students is considered poor among at least one quarter of them in some aspects which should be considered in their education to prevent spread of infection to and from their future patients.…”

How to use… eye swabs

“…The estimated annual incidence in the USA for bacterial conjunctivitis is 12.5 per 1000, with direct and indirect costs totalling $589 million 1. The incidence in infants can be as high as 80/1000 person years as was shown in a study of Dutch general practitioners, which also determined that 80% of patients were being prescribed topical antimicrobials 2. The investigation of conjunctivitis and keratitis is a considerable cost for the National Health Service as a whole.…”