Telehealth Enhances Judicious Antibiotic Use in Pediatric Primary Care

A recent study highlighted at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2025 Meeting demonstrates that telehealth visits in pediatric primary care settings can promote appropriate antibiotic prescribing. The research examined over 540,000 pediatric visits across 843 U.S. primary care clinics, focusing on children diagnosed with acute respiratory tract infections.

Findings revealed that children managed through telehealth were 12% less likely to receive antibiotics at their initial visit compared to those seen in person. Importantly, both telehealth and in-person visits adhered to established clinical guidelines at similar rates. Moreover, within two weeks following the initial consultation, antibiotic prescriptions for children treated via telehealth did not increase, indicating that remote visits do not lead to overprescription.

According to Samuel Wittman, MS, a data analyst at the University of Pittsburgh and the study’s lead author, these results suggest that when integrated into primary care, telehealth enables physicians to follow antibiotic stewardship practices effectively. This approach offers families greater flexibility, especially for those facing barriers related to time, transportation, or finances, by providing timely access to appropriate care.

While earlier research raised concerns about potential overprescription in urgent care telehealth settings, this study specifically focused on the primary care environment, demonstrating that telehealth can support high-quality, guideline-concordant treatment. The proper use of antibiotics is critical for reducing antimicrobial resistance and ensuring effective care.

This comprehensive analysis underscores the role of telehealth as a safe and effective component of pediatric primary care, helping optimize antibiotic use and improve healthcare outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-telehealth-pediatric-primary-judicious-antibiotic.html