Dataset Information

Cross-sectional survey: risk-averse French GPs use more rapid-antigen diagnostic tests in tonsillitis in children.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

We tested the following hypotheses: (1) risk-averse general practitioners (GPs) might use more Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Tests (RADTs) in tonsillitis in children, probably to decrease their diagnostic uncertainty regarding the aetiology of the disease (viral vs due to group A Streptococcus); and (2) GPs not using RADT might prescribe more antibiotics when they are risk averse.

Design, setting and participants

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of a nationwide French representative sample of 1093 GPs in 2012.

Outcome measures

Multivariate analyses adjusted on the four stratification variables (age, gender, location and volume of activity, ie, the number of annual consultations) were performed to identify the risk domains associated with indicators of good or poor practice.

Results

69.4% of GPs were aware of national guidelines regarding tonsillitis and declared that they had taken these guidelines into account for their last paediatric tonsillitis case. 59.1% declared they used RADT in their last patient aged between 3 and 16 years presenting with tonsillitis; 29.7% of these tests were positive. Among the GPs who used RADT, 30.7% prescribed an antibiotic; 98.3% did either prescribe an antibiotic because of a positive RADT result, or did not prescribe an antibiotic in view of a negative result. Among the GPs who did not use RADT, 50.7% prescribed an antibiotic. In multivariate analyses, risk-averse GPs declared being more aware of and compliant with guidelines (OR=1.56, p<0.01), and used RADTs more often for their last patient (OR=1.30, p<0.05). Among GPs not using RADT in their last patient, risk-averse GPs prescribed more antibiotics compared with risk-tolerant doctors (OR=1.18, p<0.05).

Conclusions

Individual risk attitudes influenced GPs' practices in tonsillitis, particularly the use of RADTs and antibiotic prescriptions.

SUBMITTER: Michel-Lepage A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3808757 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Cross-sectional survey: risk-averse French GPs use more rapid-antigen diagnostic tests in tonsillitis in children.

Michel-Lepage Audrey A Ventelou Bruno B Nebout Antoine A Verger Pierre P Pulcini Céline C

BMJ open 20131025 10

<h4>Objectives</h4>We tested the following hypotheses: (1) risk-averse general practitioners (GPs) might use more Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Tests (RADTs) in tonsillitis in children, probably to decrease their diagnostic uncertainty regarding the aetiology of the disease (viral vs due to group A Streptococcus); and (2) GPs not using RADT might prescribe more antibiotics when they are risk averse.<h4>Design, setting and participants</h4>We conducted a cross-sectional survey of a nationwide French r ...[more]

PMID: 24163205

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Dataset Information

Cross-sectional survey: risk-averse French GPs use more rapid-antigen diagnostic tests in tonsillitis in children.

Objectives

Design, setting and participants

Outcome measures

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Cross-sectional survey: risk-averse French GPs use more rapid-antigen diagnostic tests in tonsillitis in children.

Similar Datasets

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