Little 2001.

Methods	RCT unit of allocation: patient unit of analysis: patient power calculation: done concealment of allocation: done follow up of patients: done blinded assessment of outcome: not done baseline measurement: not applicable reliable primary outcome measure: not clear protection against contamination: not applicable analysis appropriate: yes
Participants	315 children (6 months to 10 years) with acute otitis media in 42 general practices in Great Britain
Interventions	1. Delayed treatment with antibiotics ‐ patient received a prescription (held at physician's office) and asked to wait 72 hours and fill prescription if there no improvment 2. Parent received and told to fill prescription immediately
Outcomes	Professional practice: None Patient: presence of symptoms (earache, unwell, sleep disturbance) perceived severity of pain number of episodes of distress number of spoonfuls of paracetamol temperature
Notes
Risk of bias
Bias	Authors' judgement	Support for judgement
Allocation concealment?	Low risk	A ‐ Adequate