General practice management of childhood urinary tract infection.

The incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI) in the paediatric population of a group practice was recorded. A questionnaire involving two case studies was sent to general practitioners and paediatric consultants in the region to assess the management of children suspected of having UTI and the attitudes to referral of these cases to the paediatrician. Disturbing inconsistencies in the management plans were found among both general practitioners and consultants. The reasons for these inconsistencies and the implications arising from them are discussed.