In recent years, the integration of telehealth into pediatric primary care has sparked significant interest, particularly concerning its impact on antibiotic prescribing practices. A pivotal study presented at the 2025 Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) Meeting analyzed over 540,000 pediatric visits for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) across 843 U.S. pediatric and family medicine practices. The findings revealed that children seen via telehealth were significantly less likely to receive antibiotics for ARTIs than those seen during in-person visits. Specifically, antibiotics were prescribed in 16.3% of telehealth visits compared to 46.9% of in-person visits, highlighting a substantial difference in prescribing rates. (patientcareonline.com)
This reduction in antibiotic prescribing is particularly noteworthy given the global concern over antibiotic resistance. Overprescribing antibiotics can lead to the development of resistant strains of bacteria, making infections harder to treat. By leveraging telehealth, healthcare providers can adhere more closely to established guidelines, ensuring that antibiotics are prescribed only when truly necessary. This approach not only safeguards individual patients but also contributes to public health by mitigating the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Reliability and uptime matter in healthcare TrueNAS provides 24/7 support when it counts.
The study also examined the quality of antibiotic prescribing, finding that both telehealth and in-person visits had similarly high rates of following established guidelines. Among visits with bacterial diagnoses, 90.0% of telehealth episodes adhered to prescribing guidelines, compared to 85.9% of in-person visits. This suggests that telehealth, when integrated within a primary care setting, can maintain high standards of care while reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. (patientcareonline.com)
An illustrative example of this is a case from a pediatric primary care practice in Pittsburgh. A child presenting with symptoms of an upper respiratory infection was evaluated via telehealth. The pediatrician, familiar with the patient’s medical history and current health status, determined that the symptoms were likely viral and did not warrant antibiotic treatment. This decision was made in line with clinical guidelines, emphasizing supportive care and monitoring. The child recovered without complications, demonstrating the effectiveness of telehealth in facilitating appropriate care decisions.
However, it’s important to note that the benefits of telehealth in antibiotic stewardship are closely tied to its integration within a primary care framework. Previous analyses of telehealth, especially in direct-to-consumer models, raised concerns about antibiotic overuse. The current study underscores that when telehealth is embedded within a medical home model, antibiotic management may be more appropriate. This integration allows pediatricians to provide treatment that aligns with guidelines, ensuring continuity of care and comprehensive patient management. (patientcareonline.com)
The implications of these findings are far-reaching. For families facing time, transportation, or financial barriers, telehealth offers a viable alternative to in-person visits, ensuring that children receive timely and appropriate care. Moreover, by reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, telehealth contributes to the broader effort of combating antibiotic resistance, a growing concern in pediatric healthcare.
In conclusion, the integration of telehealth into pediatric primary care presents a promising strategy for promoting responsible antibiotic use. By facilitating adherence to clinical guidelines and reducing unnecessary prescriptions, telehealth not only enhances individual patient care but also supports public health initiatives aimed at controlling antibiotic resistance. As telehealth continues to evolve, its role in antibiotic stewardship will likely become increasingly significant, offering a valuable tool in the pursuit of optimal pediatric healthcare.
Be the first to comment