Group B streptococcal disease prevention practices of obstetrician-gynecologists.

OBJECTIVE To describe group B streptococcal (GBS) disease prevention practices of obstetrician-gynecologists. METHODS We surveyed 1019 ACOG Fellows-the 419 members of the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network (CARN) and 600 randomly selected non-CARN Fellows. RESULTS There were 601 eligible respondents. More than 95% in both the CARN and the non-CARN groups reported adopting one of three GBS prevention strategies. The most commonly reported strategy was a combination approach not described in the consensus guidelines. The second most common strategy was the screening-based strategy; the risk-based strategy was third. Most respondents provided GBS information to all prenatal patients, but those using a risk-based strategy and those in solo practice were less likely to do so. Less than 60% in each group used penicillin as their first choice for GBS prophylaxis. More than 20% in each group who routinely screened for GBS did not collect both vaginal and rectal cultures. Respondents rated ACOG publications as the most important influence on their GBS prevention approach. CONCLUSION Almost all ACOG Fellows have adopted a GBS prevention strategy. The importance of providing GBS prevention information to all patients, use of penicillin, and collection of both vaginal and rectal cultures should be reinforced.