New guidance on antibiotic use for childhood acute otitis media The new addition to the RACGP’s First do no harm guide walks GPs through treatment recommendations and shared decision making with patients.
New guidance for complex UTIs in kids The guidelines specifically for complicated infections cover diagnosis and management according to determining features.
‘Unprecedented’ update to antibiotic guidelines The first tranche of a major update from Therapeutic Guidelines has been released, with a focus on infections treated in primary care.
New finger prick tests trialled to inform better prescribing It is hoped the tests will one day be used by GPs to instantly determine whether common respiratory infections need antibiotics.
GPs feel patient pressure for ‘unnecessary’ antibiotics: Poll One quarter of GPs say they experience this demand daily, with one expert saying it risks becoming a ‘point of tension’ with patients.
Push for antimicrobial resistance public awareness Australia’s Chief Medical Officer is renewing his push for patients not to pressure prescribers into approving unnecessary treatments.
‘Almost untreatable’ superbug linked to common antibiotic In a way ‘never seen before’, one antibiotic has been found to be driving resistance to another and exposing patients to superbugs.
‘Mobile petri dishes’: What bugs are lurking on GPs’ phones? Did you take your phone to Sydney’s WONCA World Conference? Swabs taken at the event found doctors’ mobiles are a ‘breeding ground for contamination’.
‘Superbugs’ causing great harm in Australian children: Study Almost 10% of kids with a bloodstream infection are infected with a multi-drug resistant organism, in a ‘serious and growing problem’.
Antibiotic shortages disproportionately affecting Indigenous patients The national shortages, which include vital treatments for rheumatic heart disease, have left some organisations scrambling for supplies.