A matter of taste: Results of antibiotic suspension tasting among paediatric doctors

Paediatric medication non-adherence is associated with increased morbidity.1 A major barrier to adherence in paediatrics the inadequacy of available oral drug suspension formulations for children terms palatability, volume required, frequency administration and small number proprietary products available.2 The combination children's heightened bitterness sensitivity their aversion smell texture can reduce adherence.3 Antibiotics account more than 60% medicines prescribed hospital setting.4 An understanding palatability antibiotics an important component informed prescribing. We assessed impact antibiotic tasting session on perceptions among new paediatric resident medical officers (RMOs). most frequently suspensions our were selected: cephalexin, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, cotrimoxazole (trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole) flucloxacillin. Cephalexin, flucloxacillin are while ciprofloxacin clindamycin only as tablet/capsule Australia compounded into flavouring agents. RMOs asked rank pre- post-tasting provide qualitative feedback. Of 39 RMOs, 3 reported have a beta-lactam allergy did not participate. 36 participating 20 returned complete rankings 16 gave multiple same or provided incomplete rankings; these respondents excluded from further analysis. Palatability ranking results presented Figure 1, which demonstrates broader variance perceived pre-tasting, harmonisation post-tasting. Clindamycin after firmly shifted towards ‘least palatable’ whilst palatable. move ‘more should be interpreted light being inherently relative. That say, participants necessarily find palatable anticipated, but rather that they found less expected, even flucloxacillin, ranked them accordingly, thus displacing its lowest position. Kendallτ distance was used quantify difference between each respondents. mean 0.42, where 0 represents no change 1 maximal order taste testing. No before tasting, showing this exercise produced some knowledge all participants. This education aimed improve through direct exposure. While appreciated cephalexin there limited awareness regarding including clindamycin. movement reinforce utility approach. Ranking may been influenced by sequential exposure least offered last bitter flavours accumulated. Furthermore, degree ranks equal. simple practical intervention has potential increase palatability-informed recommend hands-on educational approach implemented doctors patient-centred prescribing help maximise adherence. investigator-initiated study carried out part routine work.