Treatment of Acute Sore Throats: A Comparison of Pediatricians and General Physicians

Abstract

A questionnaire study of pediatricians and general physicians indicated that significant differences exist between these two groups in how they manage acute sore throats in children and how they treat streptococcal pharyngitis. The overall approach to the management of patients with sore throats was considered inadequate in 21% of the pediatricians and in 76% of the general physicians. When treatment of confirmed streptococcal pharyngitis was examined, an overall rating based on the antibiotic employed, the dosage prescribed, and the duration of therapy indicated that 88% of the pediatricians and 41% of the general physicians claimed they provided adequate treatment for streptococcal infections. These findings suggest the need for redirecting approaches to physician education for improving the health care of children.