Telephone-based management of lactation mastitis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of care for mastitis managed by telephone without an office or emergency room visit. STUDY DESIGN: A word search of electronic medical records allowed for identification of patients managed with a mastitis clinical practice guideline. Comparisons of outcomes were made to a group of patients who received care in the clinic, urgent care or emergency room. RESULTS: Rates of success ful resolution with 1 encounter were 86% for telephone-based care and 82% for visit-based care (p = 0.550). Antibiotic selection was enhanced by use of the standing order. CONCLUSION: Telephone-based management of mastitis may be safe, effective, and efficient.