Pediatric Community

I am seeking clarification on the standard of care for patients presenting to our Peds Emergency Department with suspected sexually transmitted infections. In our current practice, laboratory results often require time to process, which means that many patients are discharged prior to result availability. Some patients are treated empirically with antibiotics, only to later be found to have negative results, while others are not treated initially and await follow-up care pending confirmatory testing.

Given these variations, I would appreciate any information or guidance on how other institutions are approaching this issue. Specifically, I am interested in understanding:

• Whether empirical treatment is standard for symptomatic patients or based on risk factors.
• How follow-up and communication of results are typically managed post-discharge.
• Any protocols or best practices hospitals are using to balance timely treatment with antibiotic stewardship.

Additionally, I am interested in understanding the current landscape of point-of-care testing (POCT) in emergency departments. Specifically:

• What percentage of hospitals currently have POCT capabilities in their emergency departments?
• How does the availability of POCT impact the management of patients with suspected STIs?

Any insights, data, or policy references you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

I am seeking clarification on the standard of care for patients presenting to our Peds Emergency Department with suspected sexually transmitted infections. In our current practice, laboratory results often require time to process, which means that many patients are discharged prior to result availability. Some patients are treated empirically with antibiotics, only to later be found to have negative results, while others are not treated initially and await follow-up care pending confirmatory testing.

Given these variations, I would appreciate any information or guidance on how other institutions are approaching this issue. Specifically, I am interested in understanding:

• Whether empirical treatment is standard for symptomatic patients or based on risk factors.
• How follow-up and communication of results are typically managed post-discharge.
• Any protocols or best practices hospitals are using to balance timely treatment with antibiotic stewardship.

Additionally, I am interested in understanding the current landscape of point-of-care testing (POCT) in emergency departments. Specifically:

• What percentage of hospitals currently have POCT capabilities in their emergency departments?
• How does the availability of POCT impact the management of patients with suspected STIs?

Any insights, data, or policy references you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and assistance.