Document Detail


Acute otitis externa: management by GPs in North Queensland.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19350078     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Acute otitis externa (AOE) is a common condition in North Queensland. Clinical guidelines exist for the management of this condition. This study explores the pattern of causative pathogens and management of AOE by general practitioners in North Queensland. METHODS: Eight general practices in three regional cities of North Queensland participated in the study. The three components were: a retrospective case audit of AOE management, a survey of GPs' self reported usual management, and collection of clinical data and microbiological specimens from new cases. RESULTS: Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common causative pathogen in all regions, GPs correctly identified the most common pathogens, there was variation in the use of oral antibiotics between regions (15.8-36.6%), ear syringing is commonly used in managing AOE (51.3%), and most patients (68.9%) required only one GP appointment. DISCUSSION: General practitioners have good knowledge of the causative pathogens for AOE in their region. While clinical guidelines are generally followed, there is some variation in the prescription of oral antibiotics and use of ear syringing in managing this condition.
Authors:
Tracy Cheffins; Clare Heal; Steven Rudolphy
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Australian family physician     Volume:  38     ISSN:  0300-8495     ISO Abbreviation:  Aust Fam Physician     Publication Date:  2009 Apr 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2009-04-07     Completed Date:  2009-09-01     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0326701     Medline TA:  Aust Fam Physician     Country:  Australia    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  262-3, 265-6     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
James Cook University, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Townsville, Queensland, Australia. tracy.cheffins@jcu.edu.au
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Acute Disease
Administration, Topical
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage,  therapeutic use
Child
Child, Preschool
Female
Humans
Infant
Male
Middle Aged
Otitis Externa / diagnosis,  microbiology,  therapy*
Physician's Practice Patterns / statistics & numerical data*
Physicians, Family / standards,  statistics & numerical data*
Pseudomonas aeruginosa / isolation & purification
Queensland
Questionnaires
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Young Adult
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Anti-Bacterial Agents
Comments/Corrections
Comment In:
Aust Fam Physician. 2009 Jul;38(7):473; author reply 473   [PMID:  19626730 ]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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