[Source: Thorax, full page: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]
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<CITE><ABBR>Thorax</ABBR> doi:10.1136/thoraxjnl-2012-203026 </CITE>
<CITE></CITE>
<CITE></CITE>Chest clinic / Audit, research and guideline update
British Thoracic Society Paediatric Pneumonia Audit: a review of 3 years of data
Sarah-Jane M Bowen, Anne H Thomson
Author Affiliations: Department of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Oxford Children's Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
Correspondence to Dr Anne H Thomson, Department of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Oxford Children's Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Anne.thomson@ouh.nhs.uk
Received 20 November 2012 - Revised 20 November 2012 - Accepted 3 December 2012 - Published Online First 3 January 2013
Abstract
The British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines for the management of community-acquired pneumonia in children are used as the audit standard for the annual BTS Paediatric Pneumonia Audit. This report examines 3 years of data from this national audit, highlighting trends in clinical practice and the impact of the 2011 revisions to the BTS guidelines. The findings suggest an over-reliance on investigations to diagnose pneumonia and underuse of oral antibiotics, particularly amoxicillin. There is inappropriate use of chest physiotherapy, outpatient appointments and repeat chest x-rays. Increasing adherence to the BTS guidelines would improve care and also preserve valuable secondary care resources.
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<CITE></CITE>Chest clinic / Audit, research and guideline update
British Thoracic Society Paediatric Pneumonia Audit: a review of 3 years of data
Sarah-Jane M Bowen, Anne H Thomson
Author Affiliations: Department of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Oxford Children's Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
Correspondence to Dr Anne H Thomson, Department of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Oxford Children's Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Anne.thomson@ouh.nhs.uk
Received 20 November 2012 - Revised 20 November 2012 - Accepted 3 December 2012 - Published Online First 3 January 2013
Abstract
The British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines for the management of community-acquired pneumonia in children are used as the audit standard for the annual BTS Paediatric Pneumonia Audit. This report examines 3 years of data from this national audit, highlighting trends in clinical practice and the impact of the 2011 revisions to the BTS guidelines. The findings suggest an over-reliance on investigations to diagnose pneumonia and underuse of oral antibiotics, particularly amoxicillin. There is inappropriate use of chest physiotherapy, outpatient appointments and repeat chest x-rays. Increasing adherence to the BTS guidelines would improve care and also preserve valuable secondary care resources.
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