Knowledge, attitude and practice of parents and primary care providers in the prevention and management of respiratory tract infections in young children

Respiratory tract infections are a common and significant health and economic burden in young children. This research applied rigorous scientific methods to understand views on prevention and management of these infections from primary care providers and parents of young children. Issues explored included antibiotic prescribing, influenza vaccination and hand hygiene. Parents trust professional advice and communication is key to ensure the best health outcomes. Interventions to improve the prevention and management of respiratory tract infections in young children included promoting uptake of the influenza vaccine, enhancing hand hygiene practices in early childhood, and improving GPs’ confidence around prudent antibiotic prescribing.