Management of sore throat in primary care

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of general practitioners (GPs) in Victoria, Australia in the management of sore throat. METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 100 GPs using a questionnaire with the same four case vignettes used in a 1994 Victorian study. RESULTS: Eighty-nine per cent of respondents indicated they would prescribe antibiotics to a child with a short history of sore throat and fever, with examination findings of fever, tonsillar pus and tender cervical lymph nodes. Only 18% of respondents indicated they would order a throat swab with culture to investigate the aetiology. Very few respondents indicated they would prescribe antibiotics to patients presenting with sore throat with clinical features consistent with a viral infection. DISCUSSION: This study suggests that there is a role for better communication of the gradual but practical changes of Australian sore throat management guidelines to GPs, which may reduce antibiotic prescribing.