Sharp Rees-Stealy Quality Measures for Treating Children With Upper Respiratory Infections

What was measured?
What percentage of children ages 3 months to 18 years who had an upper respiratory infection (common cold) were not given antibiotics? Antibiotics are not recommended for upper respiratory infections (URIs) because URIs are caused by viruses, and antibiotics don’t work against viruses.

These results are based on patient records from the medical group or HMO.

Why is it important?
Many children are given antibiotics for URIs. However, URIs are caused by viruses, and antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Antibiotics also have side effects. Using them too much can make them work less well when your child really needs them.

Sharp Rees-Stealy Score: 98.31 percent
State Average: 89.51 percent

Information courtesy of the California Office of the Patient Advocate.