Antibiotic prescribing rates for acute otitis media in a paediatric emergency department

Abstract

Objective: To audit antibiotic prescribing rates for acute otitis media (AOM) at a tertiary paediatric emergency department (ED). Methods: All children who presented to the ED in 2002 (during defined 4-week periods in spring, summer, autumn and winter) and were given a diagnosis of AOM were eligible for analysis. Data were extracted retrospectively, providing information on demographics and antibiotic therapy. Results: A total of 306 patients with AOM were available for analysis. Forty-three children (14%) were 2 years of age. Sixty-eight patients (22%) were receiving antibiotics prior to presentation to the ED, and antibiotics were prescribed for 206 (67%). Antibiotic prescribing was indep..