Laboratory, clinic and community: the logistics of liaison

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Abstract
Infectious diseases are the cause of much morbidity and mortality in children. In the industrialized world the majority of childhood infections are treated by primary care physicians; nevertheless a high degree of professional liaison is needed among the various specialists concerned with pediatric infectious disease. To review the contributions of the various medical practitioners to the management of pediatric infections and the ways in which communication between them can be improved. Primary care physicians, pediatricians and microbiologists are all concerned with the management of infections in children. Factors that can facilitate communication between these experts include the development of professional trust between the groups, effective education techniques and good communication achieved through the use of structured letters, telephone contact, new technology and outreach clinics.