Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2022
Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns for Pediatric Urgent Care Clinicians.
Previous studies have reported high rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions in urgent care (UC). Specific prescribing patterns for the most common diagnoses are not known. The aim of the study is to determine the diagnoses for which antibiotics are prescribed in pediatric UC settings. ⋯ In this sample of pediatric UC encounters, only 5% of diagnoses receiving antibiotic prescriptions were made up of tier 3 diagnoses, determined to almost never require antibiotics. While viral respiratory infections have been reported to frequently be treated with antibiotics in general UC centers, our study of pediatric UC centers showed that this was infrequent. However, otitis media with effusion and otalgia should be further investigated. With most antibiotic prescriptions being tier 2 diagnoses, pediatric UC providers can use evidence-based prescribing practices, shared decision making, and contingency plans to reduce unnecessary antibiotic exposure.
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Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2022
Caregiver Practices and Knowledge Regarding Leftover Prescription Medications in Homes With Children.
The aims of the study were to determine the frequency of and factors associated with leftover or expired prescription medication ("leftover medication") presence in homes with children and to assess caregivers' reported behaviors and knowledge regarding disposal of leftover medications in the home. ⋯ Leftover medications are commonly stored in homes with children and most caregivers do not receive guidance on medication disposal. Improved education and targeted interventions are needed to ensure proper medication disposal practices.