LABORATORY, CLINIC AND COMMUNITY - THE LOGISTICS OF LIAISON

Background. Infectious diseases are the cause of much morbidity and mo rtality in children, In the industrialized world the majority of child hood infections are treated by primary care physicians; nevertheless a high degree of professional liaison is needed among the various speci alists concerned with pediatric infectious disease. Objective. To revi ew the contributions of the various medical practitioners to the manag ement of pediatric infections and the ways in which communication betw een them can be improved. Discussion. Primary care physicians, pediatr icians and microbiologists are all concerned with the management of in fections in children, Factors that can facilitate communication betwee n these experts include the development of professional trust between the groups, effective education techniques and good communication achi eved through the use of structured letters, telephone contact, new tec hnology and outreach clinics.