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Revised Recommendations for Clinical Care Guidelines on the Management of Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Populations 2010

Otitis media is a significant health issue, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Some studies suggest that up to 91% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in remote communities present with otitis media. Long term otitis media can result in hearing impairment, and impact on a child’s speech, language acquisition and learning, as well as behavioral problems affecting a child’s social, physical, emotional and educational development. Severe otitis media can result in permanent hearing loss.

The Recommendations for Clinical Care Guidelines on the Management of Otitis Media in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Populations aim to improve the prevention, early detection and management of otitis media in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the primary healthcare setting and improve the long term health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. This updated version, prepared by an expert team in ear health led by the Menzies School of Health Research, is based on the 2001 Guidelines and relevant research studies published since 2001.

PDF printable version: The Recommendations for Clinical Care Guidelines on the Management of Otitis Media in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Populations (2010) (PDF 3408 KB)

Html version: The Recommendations for Clinical Care Guidelines on the Management of Otitis Media in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Populations (2010)

The kit contains:

• The update of the 2001 Recommendations for Clinical Care Guidelines on the Management of Otitis Media in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Populations, including eight treatment algorithms;
• Otitis Media Guidelines flyer covering what’s new in the 2010 update;
• Poster of key messages for primary health care providers;
• Otitis Media Guidelines Practical Treatment Plans brochure; and
• Otitis Media pocket guide for the diagnosis and management of ear disease.

To obtain a hardcopy of the kit and associated products please contact National Mailing and Marketing at health@nationalmailing.com.au or phone 1800 020103 (quote: NMM code OT0270, client code ATSI167).

Subsequent new information relevant to these guidelines will be made available through the Indigenous Ear Health InfoNet at http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/other-health-conditions/ear

Other useful resources:

• The Systematic Review of Existing Evidence and Primary Care Guidelines on the Management of Otitis Media in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Populations, March 2001; and
• The Management of Middle Ear Infection in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Populations: Plain Language Summary of the Systematic Review on the Management of Otitis Media in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Populations, March 2001.

Historical publication:

• The Recommendations for Clinical Care Guidelines on the Management of Otitis Media Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Populations (2001)

If you have difficulties downloading this document, or would like a colour version or hard copy, please email OATSIH Enquiries or phone 02 6289 5291.