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Chivers BD, Keeler MRD, Burn CC. Ear health and quality of life in pet rabbits of differing ear conformations: A UK survey of owner-reported signalment risk factors and effects on rabbit welfare and behaviour. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285372. [PMID: 37467190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The impacts of ear disease on animal welfare and behaviour are little documented. Ear disease may be common in rabbits, but difficult to recognise, and lop-ears have previously been indicated as a risk factor for ear disease. We aimed to better understand the range of ear conditions in pet rabbits, signalment risk factors, and impacts on welfare and behaviour. Through an online questionnaire, we investigated owner-reported signalment, veterinary diagnosis of ear conditions, impaired hearing, and ear pain for UK pet rabbits. Relationships between ear condition measures and ear conformation, quality of life, and behaviour were analysed using logistic regression. Of 551 valid responses, 28.5% of rabbits reportedly had experienced ear conditions; 21.2% diagnosed or mentioned by vets, with otitis and excess cerumen most common. Approximately 25% of lop-eared rabbits had ear conditions indicated by a vet versus 10% of erect-eared rabbits. Lop-eared, half-lop, and older rabbits were most at risk (P<0.050). Rabbits reported as showing ear pain responses had reduced owner-reported quality of life compared with other rabbits (P<0.050). Rabbits with ear problems were less likely to be responsive to relevant sounds, and performed binky behaviour (joy jumps) less frequently, than rabbits without such issues. Understanding prevalence and risk factors for ear conditions is critical to improving welfare standards across this widely owned pet species. The findings suggest that improved recognition and treatment of ear conditions, and avoiding breeding from rabbits with early signs, or a family history, of ear disease are necessary to help combat this animal welfare issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedict D Chivers
- Animal Welfare Science and Ethics, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa R D Keeler
- Animal Welfare Science and Ethics, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte C Burn
- Animal Welfare Science and Ethics, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
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de Sévaux JLH, Damoiseaux RAMJ, Hullegie S, Sanders EAM, de Wit GA, Zuithoff NPA, Yardley L, Anthierens S, Little P, Hay AD, Schilder AGM, Venekamp RP. Effectiveness of analgesic ear drops as add-on treatment to oral analgesics in children with acute otitis media: study protocol of the OPTIMA pragmatic randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e062071. [PMID: 36813504 PMCID: PMC9950909 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ear pain is the most prominent symptom of childhood acute otitis media (AOM). To control the pain and reduce reliance on antibiotics, evidence of effectiveness for alternative interventions is urgently needed. This trial aims to investigate whether analgesic ear drops added to usual care provide superior ear pain relief over usual care alone in children presenting to primary care with AOM. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a pragmatic, two-arm, individually randomised, open, superiority trial with cost-effectiveness analysis and nested mixed-methods process evaluation in general practices in the Netherlands. We aim to recruit 300 children aged 1-6 years with a general practitioner (GP) diagnosis of AOM and ear pain. Children will be randomly allocated (ratio 1:1) to either (1) lidocaine hydrochloride 5 mg/g ear drops (Otalgan) one to two drops up to six times daily for a maximum of 7 days in addition to usual care (oral analgesics, with/without antibiotics); or (2) usual care. Parents will complete a symptom diary for 4 weeks as well as generic and disease-specific quality of life questionnaires at baseline and 4 weeks. The primary outcome is the parent-reported ear pain score (0-10) over the first 3 days. Secondary outcomes include proportion of children consuming antibiotics, oral analgesic use and overall symptom burden in the first 7 days; number of days with ear pain, number of GP reconsultations and subsequent antibiotic prescribing, adverse events, complications of AOM and cost-effectiveness during 4-week follow-up; generic and disease-specific quality of life at 4 weeks; parents' and GPs' views and experiences with treatment acceptability, usability and satisfaction. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The Medical Research Ethics Committee Utrecht, the Netherlands, has approved the protocol (21-447/G-D). All parents/guardians of participants will provide written informed consent. Study results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed medical journals and presented at relevant (inter)national scientific meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION The Netherlands Trial Register: NL9500; date of registration: 28 May 2021. At the time of publication of the study protocol paper, we were unable to make any amendments to the trial registration record in the Netherlands Trial Register. The addition of a data sharing plan was required to adhere to the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors guidelines. The trial was therefore reregistered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05651633; date of registration: 15 December 2022). This second registration is for modification purposes only and the Netherlands Trial Register record (NL9500) should be regarded as the primary trial registration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joline L H de Sévaux
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roger A M J Damoiseaux
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Hullegie
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth A M Sanders
- Department of Paediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIMV), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - G Ardine de Wit
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Healthcare, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas P A Zuithoff
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lucy Yardley
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Psychological Science, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care Research Centre, Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Anne G M Schilder
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Biomedical Research Centre, NIHR University College London Hospitals, London, UK
- evidENT, Ear Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Roderick P Venekamp
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Paul CR, Higgins Joyce AD, Beck Dallaghan GL, Keeley MG, Lehmann C, Schmidt SM, Simonsen KA, Christy C. Teaching pediatric otoscopy skills to the medical student in the clinical setting: preceptor perspectives and practice. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2020; 20:429. [PMID: 33198733 PMCID: PMC7667741 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-020-02307-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most frequent indication for antibiotic treatment of children in the United States. Its diagnosis relies on visualization of the tympanic membrane, a clinical skill acquired through a deliberate approach. Instruction in pediatric otoscopy begins in medical school. Medical students receive their primary experience with pediatric otoscopy during the required pediatric clerkship, traditionally relying on an immersion, apprentice-type learning model. A better understanding of their preceptors' clinical and teaching practices could lead to improved skill acquisition. This study investigates how pediatric preceptors (PP) and members of the Council on Medical Student Education in Pediatrics (COMSEP) perceive teaching otoscopy. METHODS A 30-item online survey was administered to a purposeful sample of PP at six institutions in 2017. A comparable 23-item survey was administered to members through the 2018 COMSEP Annual Survey. Only COMSEP members who identified themselves as teaching otoscopy to medical students were asked to complete the otoscopy-related questions on the survey. RESULTS Survey respondents included 58% of PP (180/310) and 44% (152/348) of COMSEP members. Forty-one percent (62/152) of COMSEP member respondents identified themselves as teaching otoscopy and completed the otoscopy-related questions. The majority agreed that standardized curricula are needed (PP 78%, COMSEP members 97%) and that all graduating medical students should be able to perform pediatric otoscopy (PP 95%, COMSEP members 79%). Most respondents reported usefulness of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) AOM guidelines (PP 95%, COMSEP members 100%). More COMSEP members than PP adhered to the AAP's diagnostic criteria (pediatric preceptors 42%, COMSEP members 93%). The most common barriers to teaching otoscopy were a lack of assistive technology (PP 77%, COMSEP members 56%), presence of cerumen (PP 58%, COMSEP members 60%), time to teach in direct patient care (PP 46%, COMSEP members 48%), and parent anxiety (PP 62%, COMSEP members 54%). CONCLUSIONS Our study identified systemic and individual practice patterns and barriers to teaching pediatric otoscopy. These results can inform education leaders in supporting and enabling preceptors in their clinical teaching. This approach can be adapted to ensure graduating medical students obtain intended core clinical skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline R Paul
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 2870 University Avenue, Suite 200, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
| | - Alanna D Higgins Joyce
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gary L Beck Dallaghan
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Office of Medical Education, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Meg G Keeley
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Corinne Lehmann
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Suzanne M Schmidt
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kari A Simonsen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Cynthia Christy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
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Improving pain management in childhood acute otitis media in general practice: a cluster randomised controlled trial of a GP-targeted educational intervention. Br J Gen Pract 2020; 70:e684-e695. [PMID: 32839161 PMCID: PMC7449377 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp20x712589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pain management in acute otitis media (AOM) is often suboptimal, potentially leading to unnecessary discomfort, GP reconsultation, and antibiotic prescribing. Aim To assess the effectiveness of a GP-targeted educational intervention to improve pain management in children with AOM. Design and setting Pragmatic, cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT). GPs in 37 practices (intervention n = 19; control n = 18) across the Netherlands recruited 224 children with GP-confirmed AOM and ear pain (intervention n = 94; control n = 130) between February 2015 and May 2018. Method GPs in practices allocated to the intervention group were trained (online and face-to-face) to discuss pain management with parents using an information leaflet, and prompted to prescribe weight-appropriate dosed paracetamol. Ibuprofen was additionally prescribed if pain control was still insufficient. GPs in the control group provided usual care. Results Mean ear pain scores over the first 3 days were similar between groups (4.66 versus 4.36; adjusted mean difference = −0.05; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = −0.93 to 0.83), whereas analgesic use, in particular ibuprofen, was higher in the intervention group. The total number of antibiotic prescriptions during the 28-day follow-up was similar (mean rate 0.43 versus 0.47; adjusted rate ratio [aRR] 0.97; 95% CI = 0.68 to 1.38). Parents of children in the intervention group were more likely to reconsult for AOM-related complaints (mean rate 0.70 versus 0.41; aRR 1.73; 95% CI = 1.14 to 2.62). Conclusion An intervention aimed at improving pain management for AOM increases analgesic use, particularly ibuprofen, but does not provide symptomatic benefit. GPs are advised to carefully weigh the potential benefits of ibuprofen against its possible harms.
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Understanding General Practitioners' Antibiotic Prescribing Decisions in Out-of-Hours Primary Care: A Video-Elicitation Interview Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9030115. [PMID: 32156082 PMCID: PMC7148451 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9030115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections are the most common reason why patients consult out-of-hours (OOH) primary care. Too often there is an overprescribing of antibiotics for self-limiting infections and general practitioners (GPs) do not always choose the guideline recommended antibiotics. To improve antibiotic prescribing quality, a better understanding is needed of the (non) antibiotic prescribing decisions of GPs. This study sets out to unravel GPs’ (non) antibiotic prescribing decisions in OOH primary care. We video-recorded 160 consultations on infections during OOH primary care by 21 GPs and performed video-elicitation interviews with each GP. GPs reflected on their decision-making process and communication while watching their consultation. A qualitative thematic analysis was used. GPs found that their (non) antibiotic prescribing decision-making was not only based on objective arguments, but also subconsciously influenced by their own interpretation of information. Often GPs made assumptions (about for example the patients’ reason for encounter or expectations for antibiotics) without objectifying or verifying this with the patient. From the beginning of the consultation GPs follow a dichotomous thinking process: urgent versus not urgent, viral versus bacterial, antibiotics versus no antibiotics. Safety-netting is an important but difficult tool in the OOH care context, with no long-term follow-up or relationship with the patient. GPs talk about strategies they use to talk about diagnostic uncertainty, what patients can expect or should do when things do not improve and the difficulties they encounter while doing this. This video- elicitation interview study provides actionable insights in GPs’ (non) antibiotic prescribing decisions during OOH consultations on infections.
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van Uum RT, Venekamp RP, Schilder AGM, Damoiseaux RAMJ, Anthierens S. Pain management in acute otitis media: a qualitative study of parents' views and expectations. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2019; 20:18. [PMID: 30674279 PMCID: PMC6343236 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-019-0908-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For unclarified reasons, parents tend to be cautious about administering analgesics to their children, potentially leading to suboptimal management of AOM symptoms. We aim to understand parents' views and expectations of pain management in acute otitis media (AOM) in children. METHODS Qualitative study alongside a cluster-randomised controlled trial (PIM-POM study) aimed at optimising pain management in childhood AOM. We purposefully sampled 14 parents of children diagnosed with AOM by their GP, who were recruited to the trial between November 2017 and May 2018. Semi-structured interviews were held at home in the first two weeks after trial enrollment. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed thematically. RESULTS Parents experienced difficulties in recognising earache and other symptoms of an ear infection. They consulted the GP for a diagnosis, for reassurance and for management advice. Parents shared that, prior to consultation, they had insufficient knowledge of the benefits of correctly dosed pain medication at regularly scheduled intervals. Parents valued the GP's advice on pain management, and were happy to accept pain medication as standalone therapy, provided that the GP explained why antibiotics would not be needed. Parents' views and expectations of pain management in AOM were shaped by previous experiences of AOM within their family; those with a positive experience of pain medication are more likely to use it in subsequent AOM episodes. CONCLUSIONS Parents of children with AOM consult the GP to help cope with uncertainties in recognising symptoms of AOM, and to receive management advice. It is important that GPs are aware of parents' lack of understanding of the role of pain medication in managing AOM, and that they address this during the consultation. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register, identifier NTR4920 (registration date: 19 December 2014).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick T. van Uum
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Office number FAC 5.09, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roderick P. Venekamp
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Office number FAC 5.09, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anne G. M. Schilder
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Office number FAC 5.09, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
- evidENT, Ear Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Roger A. M. J. Damoiseaux
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Office number FAC 5.09, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of Primary Care and Interdisciplinary Care, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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