PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Marjolein JC Schot AU - Berna DL Broekhuizen AU - Jochen WL Cals AU - Esther Brussee AU - Niek J de Wit AU - Theo JM Verheij AU - Esther de Groot TI - C-reactive protein point-of-care testing in children with cough: qualitative study of GPs' perceptions AID - 10.3399/bjgpopen17X101193 DP - 2017 Oct 31 TA - BJGP Open PG - BJGP-2017-0054 4099 - http://bjgpopen.org/content/early/2017/10/27/bjgpopen17X101193.short 4100 - http://bjgpopen.org/content/early/2017/10/27/bjgpopen17X101193.full AB - Background Point-of-care C-reactive protein (CRP) testing is widely accepted in Dutch general practice for adult patients with acute cough, but GPs’ perceptions of its use in children with suspected lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) are unknown. Knowledge of these perceptions is important when considering broadening its indication to use in children.Aim To explore the perceptions of Dutch GPs of the addition of point-of-care CRP testing to the diagnostic evaluation of children, and compare these to their perceptions of use in adults.Design & setting A qualitative study in general practice in the Netherlands.Method Semi-structured interviews were held with 11 GPs. Interviews were analysed using open coding and a thematic approach.Results GPs’ perceptions of the addition of point-of-care CRP testing to diagnostic process in children with suspected LRTI differ from their perceptions of this in adults. Five themes were identified: patient characteristics; vulnerability of the child; clinical presentation; availability of evidence; the impact of the procedure; and use of point-of-care CRP testing as a communication tool.Conclusion Differences between the perceptions of using point-of-care CRP testing in children and adults need to be addressed when considering the possible implementation of this diagnostic instrument.