When and how do GPs record vital signs in children with acute infections? A cross-sectional study.

Background: NICE recommendations and evidence from ambulatory settings promotes the use of vital signs in identifying serious infections in children. This appears to differ from usual clinical practice where GPs report measuring vital signs infrequently.

Aim: To identify frequency of vital sign documentation by GPs, in the assessment of children with acute infections in primary care.

Which early 'red flag' symptoms identify children with meningococcal disease in primary care?

Background: Symptoms are part of the initial evaluation of children with acute illness, and are often used to help identify those who may have serious infections. Meningococcal disease is a rapidly progressive infection that needs to be recognised early among children presenting to primary care.

Aim: To determine the diagnostic value of presenting symptoms in primary care for meningococcal disease.