Clinical pediatrics
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Clinical pediatrics · Jun 2010
Parental satisfaction and the ability to recall the physician's name.
During urgent care visits, families may not see their regular physician and may not even recall the name of their provider. The authors conducted a cross-sectional parental satisfaction survey at pediatric ambulatory clinics to assess whether parent recall of their treating physician's name is associated with parental satisfaction. ⋯ In urgent care clinics, not being able to recall the treating physician's name is associated with dissatisfaction. Although there are many factors associated with satisfaction that are not in the physician's control, there may be simple actions associated with improved satisfaction that physicians can implement, such as clearly introducing themselves and making sure parents remember their name.
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Children with symptoms of bleeding and bruising are commonly seen in clinical practice. Primary care providers should be able to decide when and whether evaluation for bleeding disorder is warranted. This decision depends on one's index of suspicion for bleeding disorder based on history, physical examination, and screening laboratory investigations. ⋯ Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and blood platelet concentration constitute the initial diagnostic work up of any bleeding disorder. Abnormality in any of these parameters in a child with excessive bleeding should lead to presumptive diagnosis of bleeding disorder and trigger referral to a hematologist for confirmation and definitive treatment. Awareness of basic treatment principles for management of bleeding/clotting disorders may prepare the provider to develop appropriate management plans, especially in a life threatening situation.
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Clinical pediatrics · Apr 2010
One community's perspective on the withdrawal of cough and cold medications for infants and young children.
The study goals were to assess, via survey (a) parental knowledge regarding the use of over-the counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines in children younger than the age of 6 years and (b) the effects of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations on community pediatricians following voluntary withdrawal of these medications. Of the 179 parents surveyed, approximately 60% had used OTC cough and cold medicines in the past, and many parents indicated an inappropriate dose when asked. ⋯ All 33 physicians surveyed were aware of the withdrawal of these medications for children younger than age 2 years and most were aware of consideration to remove these medications for children <6 years old. A total of 15% of physicians reported that FDA considerations were likely to change their practice by reducing or discontinuing use of these medications, whereas 6% would continue recommending these medications.