SORE THROAT MANAGEMENT-PRACTICES OF CANADIAN FAMILY PHYSICIANS

Objectives and methods. A survey was conducted of Canadian family phys icians about their usual sore throat management practices. Physician k nowledge, attitudes, beliefs and the effect of selected patient factor s on variation in practices was assessed. Results. The majority of phy sicians did not follow North American expert recommendations to usuall y take a throat culture and wait for culture results before prescribin g an antibiotic. Similarly to the practices of family physicians in ma ny countries, they favoured a clinical policy of selective use of thro at cultures and decisions about the need for antibiotics based on clin ical judgement. Conclusions. Physician practice site, demographics, kn owledge, attitudes, beliefs and patient factors did not explain differ ences in approach. The implications for antibiotic utilization in the management of upper respiratory tract infections are discussed.