- New audit will publish national data on the management of meningitis in the UK
- Areas of good and poor performance will be identified
- Data will help to improve the national guidelines that doctors follow
- Any doctor or medical student currently working in the UK can get involved
Meningitis Research Foundation is supporting a national audit of local health services to improve the recognition and treatment of meningitis.
Despite a reduction in the number of cases of bacterial meningitis each year, it continues to be a devastating disease. As doctors may not see many cases, they need to be increasingly vigilant to recognise and treat meningitis promptly and in line with national guidelines.
Research shows that there is room for improvement in meningitis management. Guidelines have not always been well adhered to in the UK and there is inappropriate use of brain scans and delays in lumbar puncture - the essential investigation needed to determine the cause of the illness.
The audit will determine how well guidelines are adhered to and identify areas of good and poor performance. Those that need improvement will receive feedback before being re-audited to check for progress.
Any doctor or medical student currently working in the UK who would like an opportunity to be involved in this large scale national audit can find more information here.
Read the protocol here.