Does a paediatric after-hours clinic use evidence-based guidelines in the management of acute otitis media?

Objective: To determine whether a paediatric after-hours clinic uses evidence-based management in the treatment of acute otitis media, and compare this management with that provided in a paediatric emergency department and a general hospital emergency department.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 573 patients (aged six months to five years) with a discharge diagnosis of acute otitis media was conducted in three after-hours settings: a paediatric after-hours clinic, a tertiary paediatric hospital emergency department and a secondary general hospital emergency department. The patients' age, weight, sex and allergy to antibiotics were recorded as baseline characteristics.

Impact of mandatory helmet legislation on bicycle-related head injuries in children: a population-based study.

Objective: Childhood bicycle-related head injuries can be prevented through the use of helmets. Although helmet legislation has proved to be a successful strategy for the adoption of helmets, its effect on the rates of head injury is uncertain. In Canada, 4 provinces have such legislation.

Are seat belt restraints as effective in school age children as in adults? A prospective crash study.

Objective: To study effectiveness of seat belts for protecting school age children in road vehicle crashes.

Design: Crash examinations by trained investigators.

Setting: Ten Canadian university based crash investigation centres.