Document resource
Accurate testing and treatment guidance for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in children is vital to prevent unnecessary investigations and promote antimicrobial stewardship. 1 2 Anecdotal feedback from general practitioners (GPs) suggests that current paediatric recommendations are difficult to locate across various online sources. There is also a heavy reliance on NICE as a source of clinical information in primary care settings. However, these have yet to be updated with specific guidance on the testing and treatment of H. pylori in children.3 This service evaluation examined how easily the latest ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN guidelines can be accessed through common online channels used in primary care, to identify areas for improvement.A website audit and simulated-search method were used without GP sampling. Fifteen resources (including NICE, BNFC, NHS Scotland, BSPGHAN, and five local guidelines) were reviewed for accuracy and clarity of H. pylori diagnostic indications and treatment. Five GP-style searches (e.g., ‘H. pylori treatment in children guidelines in the UK’) were entered into Google and Bing. The top ten results were evaluated for authority and accuracy. Two reviewers conducted 30 timed searches to simulate GP behaviour, recording the sources, time taken to locate the correct resource, and the content.Authoritative guidance (ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN Guideline) appeared within the top three Google results in 10% of queries and in 90% for Bing. Only 2/15 audited sites had accurate, up-to-date regimens that matched 2024 ESPGHAN recommendations. The average time for reviewers to locate the precise resource was 90 seconds. Barriers included a lack of NICE guidance specifically for children, inconsistent wording, and unclear navigation.In conclusion, access to information on H. pylori diagnosis and treatment remains inconsistent. Clearer signposting within GP systems, an update to NICE guidance, and search engine optimisation could improve usability and support antimicrobial stewardship, thereby ensuring children receive the highest standard of care.References Homan M, Jones NL, Bontems P, Carroll MW, Czinn SJ, Gold BD, et al. Updated joint ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN guidelines for management of Helicobacter pylori infection in children and adolescents (2023). Journal of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 2024 Aug 15;79(3):758–85.2.Aguilera Matos I, Diaz Oliva SE, Escobedo AA, Villa Jiménez OM, Velazco Villaurrutia Y del C. Helicobacter pylori infection in children. BMJ Paediatrics Open 2020 Aug;4(1):e000679.McCartney M, Connolly K, Sullivan F, Heneghan C, Yu E, Hendry B, et al. Where do UK clinicians find information at the point of care? A pragmatic, exploratory study. BMC Primary Care 2024 Oct 23;25(1).