Practice parameters in child neurology: do pediatricians use them?
We assessed pediatrician awareness of the parameter ''Evaluating the first non-febrile seizure in children'' and how the concepts of this parameter were incorporated into practice. Although most reported caring for children with seizures, 60% were not aware of the practice parameter. When given the clinical scenario of an otherwise healthy 8-year-old child with a first, unprovoked seizure, management was variable. Most (83%) would obtain an electroencephalography, and many (58%) would order an imaging study, usually a magnetic resonance imaging. However, most were also likely to order laboratory studies that were not indicated given the scenario and the practice parameter. This pilot study suggests that pediatricians may not be aware of this practice parameter and many may not be incorporating evidence-based recommendations regarding the evaluation of children with new-onset seizures.
Bale
James F
JF
Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. james.bale@hsc.utah.edu
Caplin
Deirdre A
DA
Bruse
Jaime D
JD
Folland
David
D
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009462:Neurology / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012955:Societies, Medical / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires