RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 C-reactive protein point-of-care testing in children with cough: qualitative study of GPs' perceptions JF BJGP Open JO Br J Gen Pract Open FD Royal College of General Practitioners SP BJGP-2017-0054 DO 10.3399/bjgpopen17X101193 A1 Marjolein JC Schot A1 Berna DL Broekhuizen A1 Jochen WL Cals A1 Esther Brussee A1 Niek J de Wit A1 Theo JM Verheij A1 Esther de Groot YR 2017 UL http://bjgpopen.org/content/early/2017/10/27/bjgpopen17X101193.abstract 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.