This retrospective audit included all suspected group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis admissions to Whangarei Hospital’s Emergency Department between 1 May 2016 and 31 August 2016. The investigation primarily aimed to assess how well patients adhere to antibiotic treatment for possible strep throat. It also examined prescriber adherence to the national antibiotic guideline for sore throat management. Electronic medical records were searched for patient demographics, clinical examination findings, investigations and antibiotic prescription. Patients were contacted and 75 who consented to a telephone interview were questioned about their antibiotic treatment. While all patients were discharged on the recommended medication, only 62 (82.7%) were prescribed the correct length (10 days) of oral antibiotics. Of the 61 patients (81%) who had a swab taken, 25 (41%) were confirmed positive for GAS. Patients were either advised to commence medication without waiting for a swab result (n=72; 96%) or delay treatment and commence only if no improvement in symptoms (n=3; 4%). Of those advised to commence medication immediately, 67 (94%) obtained their medication from a community pharmacy. Three patients were advised to stop treatment after confirmation of a negative result. Of the 65 patients assessable for medication persistence, 48 (73.8%) were compliant in completing their full course of antibiotics.
