What we do
About our project
Background information
Children with fever comprise the majority of emergency visits. While many receive unnecessary antibiotic treatment, serious infections in others are recognized with delay.
Overall aim
We primarily study the variability in antibiotics prescriptions in Europe, and its determinants, Furthermore, we focus on the variability in management of febrile children:
- Role of vital signs in assessment of febrile children
- Role of laboratory tests in assessment of febrile children
Research method
In 28 participating hospitals in 12 European countries we have collected data of about 5000 febrile children during 12 months. Descriptional analysis will be performed, and multilevel linear regression models will be used to combine patient characteristics with higher level characteristics.
Desirable outcome
This study will provide more insight in the potential impact of intervention studies for targeted antibiotic prescription and ways to improve the management of febrile children at the emergency department.
Collaborations
Collaborations within Erasmus MC
- Department of Public Health (S. Polinder, D. Nieboer)
- Department of Medical Informatics (J. van der Lei)
