Encuesta nacional para pediatras de Argentina: vacunación en la práctica diaria, percepción de conocimientos y barreras / National survey for pediatricians in Argentina: Vaccination in daily practice, perception of knowledge and barriers

Introducción. El descenso de las coberturas de vacunación fue muy significativo en la última década. Los pediatras son una pieza fundamental para recuperar coberturas y aumentar la confianza en la vacunación. Objetivos. Describir la percepción de los pediatras acerca del conocimiento y prácticas sobre vacunas, e identificar barreras en el acceso. Métodos. Estudio analítico observacional, mediante encuesta en línea. Se incluyeron variables del perfil del profesional, capacitación y barreras en inmunizaciones. Resultados. Participaron 1696 pediatras (tasa de respuesta: 10,7 %), media de 50,4 años. El 78,7 % fueron mujeres. El 78,2 % contaba con ≥10 años de ejercicio profesional. El 78,4 % realizaba atención ambulatoria y el 56,0 % en el subsector privado. El 72,5 % realizó una capacitación en los últimos 2 años. Se manifestaron "capacitados" para transmitir a sus pacientes los beneficios de las vacunas: 97,2 %; objetivos de campañas: 87,7 %; contraindicaciones: 82,4 %; efectos adversos: 78,9 %; recupero de esquemas: 71,2 %; notificación de ESAVI: 59,5 %. La proporción fue estadísticamente superior, en todos los aspectos, en pediatras con ≥10 años de ejercicio y en aquellos con capacitación reciente (p ≤ 0,01). Barreras identificadas en el acceso a la vacunación: falsas contraindicaciones (62,3 %); falta temporaria de vacunas (46,4 %); motivos culturales (41,4 %); horario restringido del vacunatorio (40,6 %). Conclusiones. La percepción del grado de capacitación fue variable según el aspecto de la vacunación. Aquellos con mayor tiempo de ejercicio profesional y con actualización reciente se manifestaron con mayor grado de capacidad. Se identificaron múltiples barreras frecuentes asociadas al acceso en la vacunación.

Introduction. The decline in vaccination coverage has been very significant in the past decade. Pediatriciansplay a key role in catching-up coverage and increasing confidence in vaccination. Objectives. To describe pediatricians' perceptions of vaccine knowledge and practices and to identify barriers to access. Methods. Observational, analytical study using an online survey. Variables related to professional profile, training and barriers to vaccination were included. Results. A total of 1696 pediatricians participated (response rate: 10.7%). Their mean age was 50.4 years; 78.7% were women; 78.2% had ≥ 10 years of experience; 78.4% provided outpatient care and 56.0%, in the private subsector; and 72.5% received training in the past 2 years. Respondents described themselves as "trained" in convey the following aspects to their patients: benefits of vaccines: 97.2%; campaign objectives: 87.7%; contraindications: 82.4%; adverse effects: 78.9%; catchup vaccination: 71.2%; reporting of events supposedly attributable to vaccination or immunization: 59.5%. The proportion was statistically higher in all aspects, among pediatricians with ≥ 10 years of experience and those who received training recently (p ≤ 0.01). The barriers identified in access to vaccination were false contraindications (62.3%), temporary vaccine shortage (46.4%), cultural reasons (41.4%), and restricted vaccination center hours (40.6%). Conclusions. The perception of the level of training varied depending on the vaccination-related aspect. Pediatricians with more years of professional experience and those who received recent updates perceivedthemselves as more trained. Multiple barriers associated with access to vaccination were identified.

[Supposed allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics: is it time for reflections and actions?] / Presunta allergia agli antibiotici beta-lattamici: è tempo di riflessioni e azioni?

The excessive, often unconfirmed suspicions of beta-lactam allergy affect up to 10% of the general population, improperly denying a significant percentage of individuals the opportunity to be treated with first-line antibiotics, forcing clinicians to resort to second-line choices that are not always equally effective, safe, and contribute to the increase in antibiotic resistance. Pediatricians and general practitioners can play a crucial role in recognizing and addressing weak suspicions of beta-lactam allergy, actively participating in removing the "label" of being allergic. The article, based on Who AWaRe Manual recommendations, presents current evidence on the issue with practical guidance to promote accurate interpretation and management of an overestimated problem that does not encourage a culture of optimal and prudent antibiotic use.

Pediatric ultrasound practice in Italy: an exploratory survey.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this exploratory survey is to describe the current state of US (ultrasound) technique across different pediatric settings nationwide. METHODS: A questionnaire was emailed to all members of the Italian Society of Pediatrics, including pediatric residents. The survey was open from December 2021 to March 2022. RESULTS: There were 1098 respondents. Seven hundred and seven pediatricians (84.1%) reported any use of US, while 51 (44.3%) residents denied it. The majority of participants (n = 956, 87.1%) reported to have a US machine available within the department, mostly cart-based (n = 516, 66.9%) and provided from 1 to 5 years prior to the survey (n = 330, 42.8%). Lung and neonatal cerebral regions were the most frequently scanned (n = 289, 18.7% and n = 218, 14.1%, respectively). The suspicion of pneumonia or respiratory distress represented the main reasons for performing US in emergency room (n = 390, 78% and n = 330, 66%, respectively). The majority of family pediatricians reported to scan lung and kidney/urinary tract regions (n = 30, 16.9%, and n = 23,12.9%, respectively). Regarding US training, the majority of respondents (n = 358, 34.6%) declared an experience-based education, with a deficient certification enabling the use of US in 71.6% (n = 552) of cases. The most common barriers included the lack of a well-defined training program (n = 627, 57.1%), unavailability of the US machine (n = 196, 17.9%) and legal responsibility concern (n = 175, 15.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the growing interest on pediatric US nationally, significant barriers still limit widespread adoption. These obstacles may be addressed through the dissemination of a specific US education plan and providing additional resources.

"Doing being a good parent" in the pediatric clinic: Parents' knowledge displays in advice requests on infants' everyday care.

Parents and pediatricians play pivotal roles in promoting a nurturing environment for children's growth and development, especially during the critical first thousand days of life. Given the challenges involved in infant care and rearing, parents often rely on pediatricians' professional support in a wide range of daily caregiving practices as diverse as complementary feeding, hygiene management, pacifier use, or sleep routines. Nevertheless, little attention has been devoted to the in vivo observation of how parents actually request advice on babies' everyday care, and how pediatricians attend to such requests. By adopting a conversation analysis approach to a corpus of 23 videorecorded Italian pediatric well-child visits, the article explores the different ways through which parents navigate the face-threatening activity of soliciting the pediatrician's advice on infants' everyday care and management. The analysis illustrates that parents overall display (different degrees of) prior knowledge and competence on the topics brought to the pediatrician's attention while, at the same time, acknowledging the pediatrician's expertise and professional role. In this way, I argue that parents display themselves as competent, knowledgeable, caring, and therefore "good parents". After discussing the results, in the concluding remarks I point to what seems to be a cultural change in parent-healthcare provider interactions.

Female genital mutilation and cutting: a survey of child abuse pediatricians.

BACKGROUND: As global immigration from countries with a high prevalence of female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) has grown in the United States (US), there is need for pediatricians to have adequate training to care for these patients. The objective of this study is to determine the level of knowledge and attitudes of child abuse pediatricians (CAPs) towards FGM/C in the US. METHODS: This cross-sectional study distributed a peer-reviewed survey to US CAPs-members of the Helfer Society-to assess their attitudes, knowledge, clinical practice, and education about FGM/C. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Most of the 65 respondents were aware that FGM/C is illegal (92%) and agreed that it violated human rights (99%). Individuals reporting previous training related to FGM/C were significantly more likely to correctly identify World Health Organization types of FGM/C (p < 0.05) and report confidence in doing so (p < 0.05). Only 21% of respondents felt comfortable discussing FGM/C with parents from countries with a high prevalence of FGM/C. Sixty-three percent were not aware of the federal law, and 74% were not aware of their own state's laws about FGM/C. CONCLUSIONS: US CAPs have high rates of training related to FGM/C; however, they need additional training to increase confidence and ability to identify FGM/C. FGM/C remains a topic that CAPs find difficult to discuss with families. With culturally sensitive training, CAPs have the opportunity to help manage and prevent the practice by serving as educators and experts for general pediatricians.

Attitude to food supplement use: a survey promoted by the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology.

Food supplements are defined as foodstuffs the purpose of which is to supplement the normal diet and which are concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect, often referred to as nutraceuticals, may exert benefit to the human body. Their use is increasing worldwide, including Europe and in Italy. However, some doctors are skeptical about their effectiveness and safety. This reluctance may depend on poor knowledge of the mechanisms of action and clinical evidence in literature. The Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (SIAIP) promoted the institution of an ad hoc Committee. The first initiative performed by this Committee was the administration of a questionnaire to the members of SIAIP.The results of this survey provided interesting results. Most pediatricians know the food supplement concept but frequently need help understanding the mechanisms of action. Most prescribe food supplements, mainly for preventing infections or enhancing immune defense. In addition, they prefer to use food supplements as cycles or add-on therapy. Finally, most participants like to attend events on this issue and contribute to new evidence through trials.In conclusion, this survey underscores the relevance of food supplement issues and attests to interest in this topic. However, there is a need to provide information and promote studies on this matter.

Hungarian general practice paediatricians' antibiotic prescribing behaviour for suspected respiratory tract infections: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is a major cause of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim of this study was to explore paediatric general practitioners' (GP Peds) antibiotic prescription practice in suspected respiratory tract infections (RTIs), using the capability-opportunity-motivation-behaviour framework. DESIGN: The design is a qualitative study based on individual, semistructured telephone or virtual interviews. SETTING: Paediatric general practice in Hungary. We applied stratified maximum variation sampling to cover the categories of age, sex and geographical location of participants. PARTICIPANTS: We interviewed 22 GP Peds. Nine were male and 13 were female: 2 of them were less than 40 years old, 14 were between 40 and 60 years, and 6 were above 60 years. 10 worked in low-antibiotic prescription areas, 5 in areas with medium levels of antibiotic prescription, 3 in high-antibiotic prescription areas, and 4 in and around the capital city. RESULTS: Study participants had varying antibiotic prescription preferences. Personal experience and physical examination play a central role in GP Peds' diagnostic and treatment practice. Participants emphasised the need to treat children in their entirety, taking their personal medical record, social background and sometimes parents' preferences into account, besides the acute clinical manifestation of RTI. Most respondents were confident they apply the most effective therapy even if, in some cases, this meant prescribing medicines with a higher chance of contributing to the development of AMR. Some participants felt antibiotic prescription frequency has decreased in recent years. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a more prudent attitude toward antibiotic prescribing may have become more common but also highlight relevant gaps in both physicians' and public knowledge of antibiotics and AMR. To reinforce awareness and close remaining gaps, Hungary should adopt its national AMR National Action Plan and further increase its efforts towards active professional communication and feedback for primary care physicians.

Impacts on paediatricians testifying in cases of child maltreatment: protocol for a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Paediatricians perform medical assessments for children in cases of suspected child maltreatment. Due to their role with statutory child protection agencies and police, paediatricians may be asked to testify in court about child protection and criminal justice matters. To the authors' knowledge, there has been no previous systematic review of the literature synthesising the evidence on the impacts on paediatricians testifying in cases of child maltreatment. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A search strategy comprising indexed and key terms will be applied to six electronic reference databases from inception to May 2023: Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Criminal Justice Abstracts and Cochrane Library. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts and full-text articles against predefined eligibility criteria to identify studies of interest. Conflicts will be independently adjudicated by a third reviewer. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Since the systematic review methodology aims at synthesising information from available publications, this study does not require ethical approval. An article reporting the results of the systematic review will be submitted for publication in a scientific journal, presented at relevant conferences and used in subsequent stakeholder consultations.

Acute pancreatitis in children and adolescents: diagnostic and therapeutic approach according to management guidelines in a group of pediatricians.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis is observed more frequently in the pediatric age. Currently, there are recommendation guidelines for its proper diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of the international recommendations on acute pancreatitis in pediatrics of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition in a group of pediatricians. METHODS: Observational, multicenter study, through a survey applied to pediatricians and pediatric residents. RESULTS: 48.8% of physicians had prior knowledge of the guidelines for the treatment of acute pancreatitis in children. 72.4% knew the current criteria for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. There were no differences in the majority of responses between pediatricians and pediatric residents. CONCLUSIONS: Although only half of the respondents followed the guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis, about three-quarters adequately use the criteria for diagnosis. There is adequate knowledge about the prescription of antibiotics and pancreatitis follow-up. There is lack of knowledge on the recommendation of monitoring vital signs and the precise time to perform cholecystectomy in the pancreatitis of biliary origin.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La pancreatitis aguda se observa con mayor frecuencia en la edad pediátrica. Actualmente existen guías de recomendaciones para su adecuado diagnóstico y tratamiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el nivel de conocimiento de las recomendaciones internacionales sobre pancreatitis aguda de la North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition en un grupo de pediatras. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, multicéntrico, mediante una encuesta aplicada a médicos pediatras y médicos pediatras en formación. RESULTADOS: El 48.8% de los médicos tenían conocimiento de las guías para tratamiento de pancreatitis aguda en niños. El 72.4% conocían los criterios actuales para el diagnóstico de pancreatitis aguda. No hubo diferencias en la mayoría de las respuestas entre médicos pediatras y médicos pediatras en formación. CONCLUSIONES: Aunque solo la mitad de los encuestados conocían la guía para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la pancreatitis aguda, cerca de tres cuartas partes utilizan adecuadamente los criterios para el diagnóstico. Existe adecuado conocimiento sobre la prescripción de antibióticos y el seguimiento posterior a la pancreatitis aguda. Hay déficit en el conocimiento sobre las recomendaciones de la monitorización de los signos vitales y el momento adecuado para realizar la colecistectomía ante una pancreatitis de origen biliar.

Advancing integrated paediatric care in Australian general practices: Qualitative insights from the SC4C GP-paediatrician model of care.

The Strengthening Care for Children (SC4C) is a general practitioner (GP)-paediatrician integrated model of care that consists of co-consulting sessions and case discussions in the general practice setting, with email and telephone support provided by paediatricians to GPs during weekdays. This model was implemented in 21 general practices in Australia (11 Victoria and 10 New South Wales). Our study aimed to identify the factors moderating the implementation of SC4C from the perspectives of GPs, general practice personnel, paediatricians and families. We conducted a qualitative study as part of the mixed-methods implementation evaluation of the SC4C trial. We collected data through virtual and in-person focus groups at the general practices and phone, virtual and in-person interviews. Data was analysed using an iterative hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis. Twenty-one focus groups and thirty-seven interviews were conducted. Overall, participants found SC4C acceptable and suitable for general practices, with GPs willing to learn and expand their paediatric care role. GPs cited improved confidence and knowledge due to the model. Paediatricians reported an enhanced understanding of the general practice context and the strain under which GPs work. GPs and paediatricians reported that this model allowed them to build trust-based relationships with a common goal of improving care for children. Additionally, they felt some aspects, including the lack of remuneration and the work and effort required to deliver the model, need to be considered for the long-term success of the model. Families expressed their satisfaction with the shared knowledge and quality of care jointly delivered by GPs and paediatricians and highlighted that this model of care provides easy access to specialty services without out-of-pocket costs. Future research should focus on finding strategies to ensure the long-term Implementation of this model of care with a particular focus on the individual stressors in general practices.

Motivational interviewing from the paediatricians' perspective: assessments after a 2-day training for physicians caring for adolescents with chronic medical conditions (CMCs).

BACKGROUND: Counselling adolescents with chronic medical conditions (CMCs) can be challenging regarding suitable interviewing skills and clinicians' attitudes toward the patient. Successful communication can be a key element of treatment. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is broadly applicable in managing behavioural problems and diseases by increasing patient motivation for lifestyle changes. However, data concerning the applicability, feasibility and implementation of MI sessions in everyday practice are missing from the physicians' point of view. METHOD: The present study was conducted as a mixed methods design. Twenty paediatricians were randomized to a 2-day MI course followed by MI consultations. Data were collected through a questionnaire one year after MI training. Factors for effective training and possible barriers to successful use of MI were examined. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were returned by 19 of 20 paediatricians. The paediatricians' experiences with MI demonstrate that MI is regarded as a valuable tool when working with adolescents with CMCs. 95% of all respondents reported that they found MI education necessary for their clinical work and were using it also outside the COACH-MI study context. 73.7% percent saw potential to strengthen the connection to their patients by using MI. The doctors were already using more MI conversation techniques after a 2-day MI course. Obstacles were seen in the short training, the lack of time and missing undisturbed environment (interruptions by telephone, staff, etc.) during clinical flow. CONCLUSIONS: MI techniques are not yet a regular part of medical training. However, a 2-day MI course was rated effective and provided a lasting impact by physicians caring for children and adolescents with chronic medical conditions (CMCs), although booster sessions should be offered regularly. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00014043) on 26/04/2018.

Differences between parents' and paediatricians' perceptions of mild respiratory infections in childhood: contrast study.

Introduction: Mild respiratory infections are a common reason for consultation in paediatrics, both in the emergency department and in primary care clinics. These conditions, mostly viral and self-limiting, have a significant impact on the healthcare system, school and work absenteeism, and family routines. Despite being common and banal illnesses from a medical perspective, they involve a significant concern in families. The main objective of the contrast study was to compare the perceptions of parents and paediatricians regarding mild respiratory infections in childhood and their impact on family conciliation. Materials and methods: Two online, cross-sectional surveys were conducted among Spanish paediatricians and parents with children aged 6 months to 12 years, involving 504 paediatricians and 1,447 families, with questions on attitudes towards visits to the paediatric consultation, care burden of minor pathologies, work, and family conciliation, and treatment and prevention of these illnesses. Results: Results showed significant differences in paediatricians' and parents' perceptions in many aspects. According to 34.5% of paediatricians and 27% of parents, families regularly go to the paediatrician without a scheduled visit. Only 4% of parents report having self-medicated their child, while paediatricians raise this percentage significantly to 48%. Regarding the question: "it is normal for a child to have an average of 4 colds a year," only 25.5% of the surveyed families "strongly agree" unlike to 70.2% of paediatricians. 72.8% of paediatricians "strongly agree" with: "in my opinion, it is good for children to get sick to improve their immune system" reduced to 45.9% of parents. Consultations for minor pathologies represent a "high workload" for 60.9% of paediatricians, while this opinion is agreed by only 18.9% of the parents. Conclusion: Mild respiratory infections in childhood are perceived differently by paediatricians and parents. While paediatricians perceive them as a common and manageable phenomenon, parents tend to show higher concern and demand for medical attention. This study underlines the need to improve communication between paediatricians and parents to align perceptions, optimise the use of the health system resources, and improve the efficiency in the management of these common paediatric illnesses.

[The challenges of pediatric emergencies in the office]. / Les défis des urgences pédiatriques au cabinet.

This article examines the diversity of pediatric emergencies in a medical office, shedding light on the complexity of some situations. To address emergencies that are both psychosocial and biomedical, the pediatrician must possess a variety of skills and have an in-depth understanding of the local medical network. Limited communication with young children requires the search for clues, generating uncertainty. This uncertainty is mitigated when the relationship with parents is of high quality. Consequently, the pediatrician must be an effective communicator to manage the triangular relationship. Regarding treatments, it is crucial to consider the latest "smarter medicine" recommendations, as well as the growing resistance to antibiotics.

Cet article s'intéresse à la diversité des urgences pédiatriques en cabinet médical en mettant en lumière la complexité de quelques situations. Pour faire face à des urgences à la fois psychosociales et biomédicales, le pédiatre doit posséder une variété de compétences et connaître de manière approfondie le réseau médical local. La communication limitée avec les jeunes enfants nécessite la recherche d'indices, ce qui génère de l'incertitude. Celle-ci est atténuée lorsque la relation avec les parents est de bonne qualité. En conséquence, le pédiatre doit être un communicateur efficace pour gérer la relation triangulaire. En ce qui concerne les traitements, il est crucial de prendre en considération les dernières recommandations « smarter medicine ¼ ainsi que la résistance croissante aux antibiotiques.

Pandemic Planning, Response, and Recovery for Pediatricians: A Focus on Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health.

This article summarizes how pediatricians may be uniquely positioned to mitigate the long-term trajectory of COVID-19 on the health and wellness of pediatric patients especially with regard to screening for social determinants of health that are recognized drivers of disparate health outcomes. Health inequities, that is, disproportionately deleterious health outcomes that affect marginalized populations, have been a major source of vulnerability in past public health emergencies and natural disasters. Recommendations are provided for pediatricians to collaborate with disaster planning networks and lead strategies for public health communication and community engagement in pediatric pandemic and disaster planning, response, and recovery efforts.

Actions speak louder than words; pediatricians, gynecologists, nurses, and other mothers' perspectives on the human papillomavirus vaccine: an Istanbul multicenter study.

Introduction: Gynecologists and pediatricians have an essential duty to prevent cervical cancer. In this study, we compared the compliance of gynecologists (n = 22) and pediatricians (n = 49) with nurse/midwife (n = 66) and non-medical moms (n = 120) with regards to cervical cancer precautions. Methods: A questionnaire was used to gather data on their demographics, personal vaccination and screening practices, children's immunization status, and awareness of cervical cancer prevention. Results: The findings demonstrated that gynecologists and pediatricians were better than others at understanding the risk factors and prevention of cervical cancer. It was noted that compared to other groups, physician mothers and their offspring had higher vaccination rates (n = 13, 18.3%; n = 10, 29.4%, respectively). Medical professionals typically provided thorough and accurate answers to informational questions. More frequent Pap smear tests were performed by gynecologists. It was noted that mothers who worked as pediatricians and nurses/midwives neglected their own screening needs. Discussion: This questionnaire survey sought to ascertain Istanbul's health professionals' present opinions regarding HPV vaccination. Healthcare professionals should be the first to receive information on HPV vaccination and cervical cancer incidence reduction. The public could then readily use them as an example.

Drivers of district-level differences in outpatient antibiotic prescribing in Germany: a qualitative study with prescribers.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have identified substantial regional variations in outpatient antibiotic prescribing in Germany, both in the paediatric and adult population. This indicates inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in some regions, which should be avoided to reduce antimicrobial resistance and potential side effects. The reasons for regional variations in outpatient antibiotic prescribing are not yet completely understood; socioeconomic and health care density differences between regions do not fully explain such differences. Here, we apply a behavioural perspective by adapting the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to examine regional factors deemed relevant for outpatient antibiotic prescriptions by paediatricians and general practitioners. METHODS: Qualitative study with guideline-based telephone interviews of 40 prescribers (paediatricians and general practitioners) in outpatient settings from regions with high and low rates of antibiotic prescriptions, stratified by urbanity. TDF domains formed the basis of an interview guide to assess region-level resources and barriers to rational antibiotic prescription behaviour. Interviews lasted 30-61 min (M = 45 min). Thematic analysis was used to identify thematic clusters, and relationships between themes were explored through proximity estimation. RESULTS: Both paediatricians and general practitioners in low-prescribing regions reported supporting contextual factors (in particular good collegial networks, good collaboration with laboratories) and social factors (collegial support and low patient demand for antibiotics) as important resources. In high-prescribing regions, poor coordination between in-patient and ambulatory health services, lack of region-level information on antimicrobial resistance, few professional development opportunities, and regional variations in patient expectations were identified as barriers to rational prescribing behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions targeting professional development, better collaboration structures with laboratories and clearer and user-friendly guidelines could potentially support rational antibiotic prescribing behaviour. In addition, better networking and social support among physicians could support lower prescription rates.