British Thoracic Society Paediatric Pneumonia Audit: a review of 3 years of data. Issue 7 (3rd January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bowen, Sarah-Jane M; Thomson, Anne H
• Is Part Of: Thorax. Volume 68:Issue 7(2013)
• Page Start: 682
• Page End: 683
• Publication Date: 2013-01-03
• Subjects: Pneumonia; Chest -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Thorax; Chest -- Diseases; Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.54
• DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2012-203026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0040-6376

Abstract

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.