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Butler CC. Democratising the design and delivery of large-scale randomised, controlled clinical trials in primary care: A personal view. Eur J Gen Pract 2024; 30:2293702. [PMID: 38180050 PMCID: PMC10773679 DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2023.2293702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid identification of effective treatments for use in the community during a pandemic is vital for the well-being of individuals and the sustainability of healthcare systems and society. Furthermore, identifying treatments that do not work reduces research wastage, spares people unnecessary side effects, rationalises the cost of purchasing and stockpiling medication, and reduces inappropriate medication use. Nevertheless, only a small minority of therapeutic trials for SARS-CoV-2 infections have been in primary care: most opened too late, struggled to recruit, and few produced actionable results. Participation in research is often limited by where one lives or receives health care, and trial participants may not represent those for whom the treatments are intended. INNOVATIVE TRIALS The ALIC4E, PRINCIPLE and the ongoing PANORAMIC trial have randomised over 40,500 people with COVID-19. This personal view describes how these trials have innovated in: trial design (by using novel adaptive platform designs); trial delivery (by complementing traditional site-based recruitment ('the patient comes to the research') with mechanisms to enable sick, infectious people to participate without having to leave home ('taking research to the people'), and by addressing the 'inverse research participation law,' which highlights disproportionate barriers faced by those who have the most to contribute, and benefit from, research, and; in transforming the evidence base by evaluating nine medicines to support guidelines and care decisions world-wide for COVID-19 and contribute to antimicrobial stewardship. CONCLUSION The PRINCIPLE and PANORAMIC trials represent models of innovation and inclusivity, and exemplify the potential of primary care to lead the way in addressing pressing global health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C. Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Primary Care Clinical Trials Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Little P, Vennik J, Rumsby K, Stuart B, Becque T, Moore M, Francis N, Hay AD, Verheij T, Bradbury K, Greenwell K, Dennison L, Holt S, Denison-Day J, Ainsworth B, Raftery J, Thomas T, Butler CC, Richards-Hall S, Smith D, Patel H, Williams S, Barnett J, Middleton K, Miller S, Johnson S, Nuttall J, Webley F, Sach T, Yardley L, Geraghty AWA. Nasal sprays and behavioural interventions compared with usual care for acute respiratory illness in primary care: a randomised, controlled, open-label, parallel-group trial. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2024; 12:619-632. [PMID: 39004091 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(24)00140-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A small amount of evidence suggests that nasal sprays, or physical activity and stress management, could shorten the duration of respiratory infections. This study aimed to assess the effect of nasal sprays or a behavioural intervention promoting physical activity and stress management on respiratory illnesses, compared with usual care. METHODS This randomised, controlled, open-label, parallel-group trial was done at 332 general practitioner practices in the UK. Eligible adults (aged ≥18 years) had at least one comorbidity or risk factor increasing their risk of adverse outcomes due to respiratory illness (eg, immune compromise due to serious illness or medication; heart disease; asthma or lung disease; diabetes; mild hepatic impairment; stroke or severe neurological problem; obesity [BMI ≥30 kg/m2]; or age ≥65 years) or at least three self-reported respiratory tract infections in a normal year (ie, any year before the COVID-19 pandemic). Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) using a computerised system to: usual care (brief advice about managing illness); gel-based spray (two sprays per nostril at the first sign of an infection or after potential exposure to infection, up to 6 times per day); saline spray (two sprays per nostril at the first sign of an infection or after potential exposure to infection, up to 6 times per day); or a brief behavioural intervention in which participants were given access to a website promoting physical activity and stress management. The study was partially masked: neither investigators nor medical staff were aware of treatment allocation, and investigators who did the statistical analysis were unaware of treatment allocation. The sprays were relabelled to maintain participant masking. Outcomes were assessed using data from participants' completed monthly surveys and a survey at 6 months. The primary outcome was total number of days of illness due to self-reported respiratory tract illnesses (coughs, colds, sore throat, sinus or ear infections, influenza, or COVID-19) in the previous 6 months, assessed in the modified intention-to-treat population, which included all randomly assigned participants who had primary outcome data available. Key secondary outcomes were possible harms, including headache or facial pain, and antibiotic use, assessed in all randomly assigned participants. This trial was registered with ISRCTN, 17936080, and is closed to recruitment. FINDINGS Between Dec 12, 2020, and April 7, 2023, of 19 475 individuals screened for eligibility, 13 799 participants were randomly assigned to usual care (n=3451), gel-based nasal spray (n=3448), saline nasal spray (n=3450), or the digital intervention promoting physical activity and stress management (n=3450). 11 612 participants had complete data for the primary outcome and were included in the primary outcome analysis (usual care group, n=2983; gel-based spray group, n=2935; saline spray group, n=2967; behavioural website group, n=2727). Compared with participants in the usual care group, who had a mean of 8·2 (SD 16·1) days of illness, the number of days of illness was significantly lower in the gel-based spray group (mean 6·5 days [SD 12·8]; adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0·82 [99% CI 0·76-0·90]; p<0·0001) and the saline spray group (6·4 days [12·4]; 0·81 [0·74-0·88]; p<0·0001), but not in the group allocated to the behavioural website (7·4 days [14·7]; 0·97 [0·89-1·06]; p=0·46). The most common adverse event was headache or sinus pain in the gel-based group: 123 (4·8%) of 2556 participants in the usual care group; 199 (7·8%) of 2498 participants in the gel-based group (risk ratio 1·61 [95% CI 1·30-1·99]; p<0·0001); 101 (4·5%) of 2377 participants in the saline group (0·81 [0·63-1·05]; p=0·11); and 101 (4·5%) of 2091 participants in the behavioural intervention group (0·95 [0·74-1·22]; p=0·69). Compared with usual care, antibiotic use was lower for all interventions: IRR 0·65 (95% CI 0·50-0·84; p=0·001) for the gel-based spray group; 0·69 (0·45-0·88; p=0·003) for the saline spray group; and 0·74 (0·57-0·94; p=0·02) for the behavioural website group. INTERPRETATION Advice to use either nasal spray reduced illness duration and both sprays and the behavioural website reduced antibiotic use. Future research should aim to address the impact of the widespread implementation of these simple interventions. FUNDING National Institute for Health and Care Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Little
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - Jane Vennik
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Kate Rumsby
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Beth Stuart
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University, London, UK
| | - Taeko Becque
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Nick Francis
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Theo Verheij
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Kate Greenwell
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Laura Dennison
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sian Holt
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Ben Ainsworth
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - James Raftery
- Health Economics Analysis Team, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Tammy Thomas
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Deb Smith
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Hazel Patel
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Samantha Williams
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jane Barnett
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Karen Middleton
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sascha Miller
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sophie Johnson
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jacqui Nuttall
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Fran Webley
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Tracey Sach
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lucy Yardley
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Adam W A Geraghty
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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3
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Kurotschka PK, Hemkeppler J, Gierszewski D, Ghirotto L, Gágyor I. General practitioners' decision making managing uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: a qualitative study. BJGP Open 2024:BJGPO.2023.0224. [PMID: 38423622 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To be effective, interventions aimed at increasing the appropriateness of antibiotic use in primary care should consider the perspectives of prescribing physicians. AIM To explore the decision making of general practitioners (GPs) when managing uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs) in women. DESIGN & SETTING A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 22 GPs in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg (southern Germany). METHOD Verbatim transcripts were analysed through inductive qualitative content analysis. RESULTS We generated the following three main themes: factors facilitating the decision making; factors complicating the decision making; and consultation modalities. According to participants, following evidence-based recommendations makes the prescription decision smoother. GPs' and patients' prior experiences and beliefs guides decisions towards certain antibiotics, even if those experiences and beliefs contradict evidence-based recommendations. Patient expectations and demands also condition antibiotic prescribing, favouring it. Organisational constraints, such as time pressure, the day of the week (for example, before weekends), and a lower cost of antibiotics for patients than alternative treatments favour the decision to prescribe antibiotics. Diagnostic and prognostic uncertainty complicates decision making, as does scepticism towards evidence-based recommendations. Discordance within the patient-doctor relationship contributed to this complexity. Regarding consultation modalities, a more in-depth consultation and shared decision making were seen as helpful in this process. CONCLUSION We identified different factors as intervening against or for a straightforward management decision when dealing with women with uUTIs. They reveal the complexity behind the GPs' decision making. Providing GPs with easy-to-apply guidance while removing economic constraints to allocate sufficient consultation time, and supporting shared decision making may help GPs appropriately manage uUTIs in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter K Kurotschka
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Hemkeppler
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - David Gierszewski
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Luca Ghirotto
- Qualitative Research Unit, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Ildikó Gágyor
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
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4
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Clement C, Ingram J, Cabral C, Blair PS, Hay AD, Seume P, Horwood J. Implementation of the CHIldren with acute COugh (CHICO) intervention to improve antibiotics management: a qualitative study in primary care. Br J Gen Pract 2024; 74:e401-e407. [PMID: 38296358 PMCID: PMC11080639 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2023.0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are common and can lead to unnecessary antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. The CHIldren with COugh (CHICO) intervention incorporates a clinician-focused algorithm (STARWAVe) to predict future hospitalisation risk, elicitation of carer concerns, and a carer-focused personalised leaflet recording treatment decisions and safety-netting information. AIM To examine the implementation of the CHICO intervention by primary care clinicians. DESIGN AND SETTING A qualitative study with primary care clinicians in England taking part in the CHICO randomised controlled trial. METHOD Interviews explored the CHICO intervention's acceptability and use. Clinicians from a range of practices with high and low antibiotic dispensing rates were recruited. Normalisation process theory underpinned data collection and thematic analysis. RESULTS Most clinicians liked the intervention because it was quick and easy to use, it helped elicit carer concerns, and reassured clinicians and carers of the appropriateness of treatment decisions. However, clinicians used it as a supportive aid for treatment decisions rather than as a tool for behaviour change. The accompanying advice leaflet helped explain treatment decisions and support self-care. The intervention did not always align with clinicians' usual processes, which could affect use. Increased familiarisation with the algorithm led to reduced intervention use, which was further reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of changes to practice and remote consultations. CONCLUSION Clinicians found the CHICO intervention useful to support decision making around antibiotic prescribing and it helped discussions with carers about concerns and treatment decisions. The intervention may need to be adapted to align more with clinicians' consultation flow and remote consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Clement
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), Bristol
| | - Jenny Ingram
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - Christie Cabral
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - Peter S Blair
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - Penny Seume
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - Jeremy Horwood
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol
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Ayorinde A, Ghosh I, Shaikh J, Adetunji V, Brown A, Jordan M, Gilham E, Todkill D, Ashiru-Oredope D. Improving healthcare professionals' interactions with patients to tackle antimicrobial resistance: a systematic review of interventions, barriers, and facilitators. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1359790. [PMID: 38841670 PMCID: PMC11150712 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1359790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat. With the growing emphasis on patient-centred care/ shared decision making, it is important for healthcare professionals' (HCPs) who prescribe, dispense, administer and/or monitor antimicrobials to be adequately equipped to facilitate appropriate antimicrobial use. We systematically identified existing interventions which aim to improve HCPs interaction with patients and examined barriers and facilitators of appropriate the use of such interventions and appropriate antimicrobial use among both HCPs and patientsantimicrobial use while using these interventions. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and internet (via Google search engine). We included primary studies, published in English from 2010 to 2023 [PROSPERO (CRD42023395642)]. The protocol was preregistered with PROSPERO (CRD42023395642). We performed quality assessment using mixed methods appraisal tool. We applied narrative synthesis and used the COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation -Behaviour) as a theoretical framework for barriers and facilitators at HCP and patient levels. Results Of 9,172 citations retrieved from database searches, From 4,979 citations remained after removal of duplicates. We included 59 studies spanning over 13 countries. Interventions often involved multiple components beyond HCPs' interaction with patients. From 24 studies reporting barriers and facilitators, we identified issues relating to capability (such as, knowledge/understanding about AMR, diagnostic uncertainties, awareness of interventions and forgetfulness); opportunity (such as, time constraint and intervention accessibility) and motivation (such as, patient's desire for antibiotics and fear of litigation). Conclusion The findings of this review should be considered by intervention designers/adopters and policy makers to improve utilisation and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abimbola Ayorinde
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Iman Ghosh
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Junaid Shaikh
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Adetunji
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Brown
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Jordan
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Ellie Gilham
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Todkill
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Diane Ashiru-Oredope
- UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Cisco G, Meier AN, Senn N, Mueller Y, Kronenberg A, Locatelli I, Knüsli J, Lhopitallier L, Boillat-Blanco N, Marti J. Cost-effectiveness analysis of procalcitonin and lung ultrasonography guided antibiotic prescriptions in primary care. THE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS : HEPAC : HEALTH ECONOMICS IN PREVENTION AND CARE 2024:10.1007/s10198-024-01694-y. [PMID: 38761244 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-024-01694-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance comes with high morbidity and mortality burden, and ultimately high impact on healthcare and social costs. Efficient strategies are needed to limit antibiotic overuse. This paper investigates the cost-effectiveness of testing patients with lower respiratory tract infection with procalcitonin, either at the point-of-care only or combined with lung ultrasonography. These diagnostic tools help detect the presence of bacterial pneumonia, guiding prescription decisions. The clinical responses of these strategies were studied in the primary care setting. Evidence is needed on their cost-effectiveness. We used data from a cluster-randomized bi-centric clinical trial conducted in Switzerland and estimated patient-level costs using data on resource use to which we applied Swiss tariffs. Combining the incremental costs of the two strategies and the reduction in the 28-days antibiotic prescription rate (APR) compared to usual care, we calculated Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios (ICER). We also used the Cost-Effectiveness Acceptability Curve as an analytical decision-making tool. The robustness of the findings is ensured by Probabilistic Sensitivity Analysis and scenario analysis. In the base case scenario, the ICER compared to usual care is $2.3 per percentage point (pp) reduction in APR for the procalcitonin group, and $4.4 for procalcitonin-ultrasound combined. Furthermore, we found that for a willingness to pay per patient of more than $2 per pp reduction in the APR, procalcitonin is the strategy with the highest probability to be cost-effective. Our findings suggest that testing patients with respiratory symptoms with procalcitonin to guide antibiotic prescription in the primary care setting represents good value for money.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Cisco
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Armando N Meier
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Senn
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yolanda Mueller
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Kronenberg
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Isabella Locatelli
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - José Knüsli
- Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Noemie Boillat-Blanco
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Marti
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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7
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Ababneh MA, Abujuma H, Altawalbeh S, Al Demour S. Evaluation of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs and antibiotic prescribing patterns among physicians in ambulatory care settings in Jordan. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2024; 24:405-412. [PMID: 38064312 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2023.2293197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Currently, there is an urgent need to implement an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) in outpatient settings since nearly half of the antibiotic prescribing is inappropriate or unnecessary. The implementation of ASP should emphasize educational interventions that are more interactive. This study examines the adoption of outpatient ASP by physicians in Jordan. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2 March 2022 and 20 May 2022 at major hospitals in Jordan. The survey was distributed randomly among (n = 187) Jordanian physicians. RESULTS It was found that more than half of the physicians were females (51.9%). The participants who reported not including antibiotic stewardship-related duties in position descriptions were (40.1%). While (46.5%) of participants reported writing and displaying public commitments supporting antibiotic stewardship in ambulatory care settings. Physicians' adoption of (action) core elements of ASPs in ambulatory care settings was positive. Almost (24.6%) reported a lack of self-evaluation of their antibiotic-prescribing practices. It was reported that (69.5%) of physicians used effective communication strategies to educate patients about when antibiotics are necessary. CONCLUSION It was fair adoption of the core elements in the ambulatory care settings among Jordanian physicians. Progress necessitates a comprehensive strategy tailored to the needs of the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mera A Ababneh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Hana Abujuma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Shoroq Altawalbeh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Saddam Al Demour
- Department of Special Surgery/Division of Urology, The University of Jordan, School of Medicine, Amman, Jordan
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Christensen LD, Vestergaard CH, Keizer E, Bech BH, Bro F, Christensen MB, Huibers L. Point-of-care testing and antibiotics prescribing in out-of-hours general practice: a register-based study in Denmark. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:31. [PMID: 38262975 PMCID: PMC10804570 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02264-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care testing may reduce diagnostic uncertainty in case of suspicion of bacterial infection, thereby contributing to prudent antibiotic prescribing. We aimed to study variations in the use of point-of-care tests (C-reactive protein test, rapid streptococcal antigen detection test, and urine dipstick) among general practitioners (GPs) and the potential association between point-of-care testing and antibiotic prescribing in out-of-hours general practice. METHODS We conducted a population-based observational register-based study, based on patient contacts with out-of-hours general practice in the Central Denmark Region in 2014-2017. The tendency of GPs to use point-of-care testing was calculated, and the association between the use of point-of-care testing and antibiotic prescribing was evaluated with the use of binomial regression. RESULTS Out-of-hours general practice conducted 794,220 clinic consultations from 2014 to 2017, of which 16.1% resulted in an antibiotic prescription. The GP variation in the use of point-of-care testing was largest for C-reactive protein tests, with an observed variation (p90/p10 ratio) of 3.0; this means that the GPs in the 90th percentile used C-reactive protein tests three times as often as the GPs in the 10th percentile. The observed variation was 2.1 for rapid streptococcal antigen detection tests and 1.9 for urine dipsticks. The GPs who tended to use more point-of-care tests prescribed significantly more antibiotics than the GPs who tended to use fewer point-of-care tests. The GPs in the upper quintile of the tendency to use C-reactive protein test prescribed 22% more antibiotics than the GPs in the lowest quintile (21% for rapid streptococcal antigen detection tests and 8% for urine dipsticks). Up through the quintiles, this effect exhibited a positive linear dose-response correlation. CONCLUSION The GPs varied in use of point-of-care testing. The GPs who tended to perform more point-of-care testing prescribed more antibiotics compared with the GPs who tended to perform fewer of these tests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ellen Keizer
- Research Unit for General Practice, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bodil Hammer Bech
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Flemming Bro
- Research Unit for General Practice, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Morten Bondo Christensen
- Research Unit for General Practice, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Linda Huibers
- Research Unit for General Practice, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
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Henley J, Brookes-Howell L, Euden J, Pallmann P, Llewelyn M, Howard P, Powell N, Dark P, Szakmany T, Hellyer TP, Albur M, Hamilton R, Prestwich G, Ogden M, Maboshe W, Sandoe J, Thomas-Jones E, Carrol E. Developing a model for decision-making around antibiotic prescribing for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in acute NHS hospitals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: qualitative results from the Procalcitonin Evaluation of Antibiotic use in COVID-19 Hospitalised patients (PEACH Study). BMJ Open 2023; 13:e077117. [PMID: 38114276 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore and model factors affecting antibiotic prescribing decision-making early in the pandemic. DESIGN Semistructured qualitative interview study. SETTING National Health Service (NHS) trusts/health boards in England and Wales. PARTICIPANTS Clinicians from NHS trusts/health boards in England and Wales. METHOD Individual semistructured interviews were conducted with clinicians in six NHS trusts/health boards in England and Wales as part of the Procalcitonin Evaluation of Antibiotic use in COVID-19 Hospitalised patients study, a wider study that included statistical analysis of procalcitonin (PCT) use in hospitals during the first wave of the pandemic. Thematic analysis was used to identify key factors influencing antibiotic prescribing decisions for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia during the first wave of the pandemic (March to May 2020), including how much influence PCT test results had on these decisions. RESULTS During the first wave of the pandemic, recommendations to prescribe antibiotics for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were based on concerns about secondary bacterial infections. However, as clinicians gained more experience with COVID-19, they reported increasing confidence in their ability to distinguish between symptoms and signs caused by SARS-CoV-2 viral infection alone, and secondary bacterial infections. Antibiotic prescribing decisions were influenced by factors such as clinician experience, confidence, senior support, situational factors and organisational influences. A decision-making model was developed. CONCLUSION This study provides insight into the decision-making process around antibiotic prescribing for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia during the first wave of the pandemic. The importance of clinician experience and of senior review of decisions as factors in optimising antibiotic stewardship is highlighted. In addition, situational and organisational factors were identified that could be optimised. The model presented in the study can be used as a tool to aid understanding of the complexity of the decision-making process around antibiotic prescribing and planning antimicrobial stewardship support in the context of a pandemic. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN66682918.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josie Henley
- School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Joanne Euden
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff, UK
| | - Philip Pallmann
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff, UK
| | - Martin Llewelyn
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Philip Howard
- School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Pharmacy, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, UK
| | - Neil Powell
- Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Truro, UK
| | - Paul Dark
- Intensive Care Unit, University of Manchester, Salford, UK
| | - Tamas Szakmany
- Critical Care Directorate, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, UK
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff Univeristy, Cardiff, UK
| | - Thomas P Hellyer
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Ryan Hamilton
- School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Margaret Ogden
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | | | - Jonathan Sandoe
- Department of Microbiology, The General Infirmary at Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Healthcare Associated Infection Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Enitan Carrol
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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10
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Raupach D, Joean O, Fuge J, Welte T, Rademacher J. Point-of-care procalcitonin testing for lower respiratory tract infection in pulmonary outpatient care has limited value. Pneumologie 2023; 77:550-553. [PMID: 37315574 DOI: 10.1055/a-2095-3321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are frequently the reasons for patients to visit their general practitioners or lung specialists; however, physicians tend to prescribe antibiotics less frequently than necessary. A readily available biomarker could help distinguish between viral and bacterial cause of LRTI. The primary objective of our study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care testing (POCT) of procalcitonin (PCT) in identifying bacterial pneumonia in outpatients with LRTI. All patients aged 18 years or older with signs and symptoms of LRTI who visited a respiratory physician were included in the study and their PCT levels were measured. In 110 patients enrolled in the study, three patients (2.7%) had PCT values above the threshold of 0.25 µg/L without proven bacterial infection, in contrast to seven patients with typical radiological signs of pneumonia without elevated POCT PCT levels. The AUC for PCT for the detection of pneumonia was 0.56 (p=0.685). POCT PCT showed limited specificity and sensitivity in distinguishing pneumonia from bronchitis or exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases. PCT is a marker of severe bacterial infections and not suitable for milder infections in outpatient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Raupach
- Respiratory medicine and Infectious disease, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Oana Joean
- Respiratory medicine and Infectious disease, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan Fuge
- Klinik für Pneumologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- BREATH, German Center for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tobias Welte
- Klinik für Pneumologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jessica Rademacher
- Respiratory medicine and Infectious disease, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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11
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Hoste ME, Colman E, Wanat M, Hayward G, Tissier JL, Postma M, Goossens H, Anthierens S, Tonkin-Crine S. Stakeholders' views and experiences on implementing new diagnostics in primary care to support management of community-acquired acute respiratory tract infections: a qualitative study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1216940. [PMID: 37583883 PMCID: PMC10425264 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1216940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The majority of antibiotics are prescribed in primary care for respiratory tract infections. Point-of-care tests (POCTs) for the management of community-acquired acute respiratory tract infections (CA-ARTI) have been developed to help optimize antibiotic prescribing. While some countries in Europe have adopted these tests in primary care settings, most have not. Stakeholders, such as policy-makers, regulators, the diagnostic industry, and scientific associations, have roles in the implementation of new diagnostics in primary care. The aim of this study is to explore these stakeholders' views and experiences, and identify areas of unmet need relating to POCT implementation. Methods Stakeholders were recruited using purposive sampling and snowballing. Between March 2021 and May 2022, semi-structured interviews were conducted online with stakeholders in Belgium, the UK and from European Union (EU) -level organizations. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed inductively and deductively using thematic analysis. Results Twenty-six stakeholders participated: eleven from EU-level organizations, seven from Belgium, and eight from the UK. Five themes were identified. Stakeholders felt a balance of top-down and bottom-up approaches were an optimal strategy to the implementation of POCTs. Stakeholders stressed the need to engage with clinicians to act as champions for tests to help raise awareness and generate new evidence on how tests are used. While acknowledging the potential of POCTs for improving patient outcomes and impacting antibiotic prescribing behavior, some raised concerns on how tests would be used in practice and wished to see national data on effectiveness. COVID-19 catalyzed the use of tests, but stakeholders were pessimistic that processes for approving diagnostics during the pandemic would be replicated in the future. Conclusion Stakeholders provided recommendations for research and practice. Robust reimbursement policies could alleviate financial burden from clinicians and patients, encouraging practices to adopt POCTs. Industry is likely to benefit from engaging as early on as possible with other stakeholders. Due to uncertainty among stakeholders on the impact of POCTs on antibiotic prescribing, further evidence is needed to understand how practices adopt POCTs and the implications for stewardship. Monitoring how POCTs are used can inform future guidelines on successful diagnostic implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Eugenie Hoste
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Elien Colman
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marta Wanat
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gail Hayward
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Maarten Postma
- Unit of Global Health, Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Herman Goossens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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12
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Implementing antibiotic stewardship in high-prescribing English general practices: a mixed-methods study. Br J Gen Pract 2023; 73:e164-e175. [PMID: 36823061 PMCID: PMC9975978 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2022.0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trials have identified antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) strategies that effectively reduce antibiotic use in primary care. However, many are not commonly used in England. The authors co-developed an implementation intervention to improve use of three AMS strategies: enhanced communication strategies, delayed prescriptions, and point-of-care C-reactive protein tests (POC-CRPTs). AIM To investigate the use of the intervention in high-prescribing practices and its effect on antibiotic prescribing. DESIGN AND SETTING Nine high-prescribing practices had access to the intervention for 12 months from November 2019. This was primarily delivered remotely via a website with practices required to identify an 'antibiotic champion'. METHOD Routinely collected prescribing data were compared between the intervention and the control practices. Intervention use was assessed through monitoring. Surveys and interviews were conducted with professionals to capture experiences of using the intervention. RESULTS There was no evidence that the intervention affected prescribing. Engagement with intervention materials differed substantially between practices and depended on individual champions' preconceptions of strategies and the opportunity to conduct implementation tasks. Champions in five practices initiated changes to encourage use of at least one AMS strategy, mostly POC-CRPTs; one practice chose all three. POC-CRPTs was used more when allocated to one person. CONCLUSION Clinicians need detailed information on exactly how to adopt AMS strategies. Remote, one-sided provision of AMS strategies is unlikely to change prescribing; initial clinician engagement and understanding needs to be monitored to avoid misunderstanding and suboptimal use.
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13
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Colliers A, Philips H, Bombeke K, Remmen R, Coenen S, Anthierens S. Safety netting advice for respiratory tract infections in out-of-hours primary care: A qualitative analysis of consultation videos. Eur J Gen Pract 2022; 28:87-94. [PMID: 35535690 PMCID: PMC9103350 DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2022.2064448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND General practitioners (GPs) use safety netting advice to communicate with patients when and how to seek further help when their condition fails to improve or deteriorate. Although many respiratory tract infections (RTI) during out-of-hours (OOH) care are self-limiting, often antibiotics are prescribed. Providing safety netting advice could enable GPs to safely withhold an antibiotic prescription by dealing both with their uncertainty and the patients' concerns. OBJECTIVES To explore how GPs use safety netting advice during consultations on RTIs in OOH primary care and how this advice is documented in the electronic health record. METHODS We analysed video observations of 77 consultations on RTIs from 19 GPs during OOH care using qualitative framework analysis and reviewed the medical records. Videos were collected from August until November 2018 at the Antwerp city GP cooperative, Belgium. RESULTS Safety netting advice on alarm symptoms, expected duration of illness and/or how and when to seek help is often lacking or vague. Communication of safety netting elements is scattered throughout the end phase of the consultation. The advice is seldom recorded in the medical health record. GPs give more safety netting advice when prescribing an antibiotic than when they do not prescribe an antibiotic. CONCLUSION We provided a better understanding of how safety netting is currently carried out in OOH primary care for RTIs. Safety netting advice during OOH primary care is limited, unspecific and not documented in the medical record.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Colliers
- Department of Family Medicine & Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hilde Philips
- Department of Family Medicine & Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Roy Remmen
- Department of Family Medicine & Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Department of Family Medicine & Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO) – Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of Family Medicine & Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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14
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van der Pol S, Jansen DEMC, van der Velden AW, Butler CC, Verheij TJM, Friedrich AW, Postma MJ, van Asselt ADI. The Opportunity of Point-of-Care Diagnostics in General Practice: Modelling the Effects on Antimicrobial Resistance. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2022; 40:823-833. [PMID: 35764913 PMCID: PMC9243781 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-022-01165-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health threat associated with antibiotic consumption. Community-acquired acute respiratory tract infections (CA-ARTIs) are a major driver of antibiotic consumption in primary care. We aimed to quantify the investments required for a large-scale rollout of point-of care (POC) diagnostic testing in Dutch primary care, and the impact on AMR due to reduced use of antibiotics. METHODS We developed an individual-based model that simulates consultations for CA-ARTI at GP practices in the Netherlands and compared a scenario where GPs test all CA-ARTI patients with a hypothetical diagnostic strategy to continuing the current standard-of-care for the years 2020-2030. We estimated differences in costs and future AMR rates caused by testing all patients consulting for CA-ARTI with a hypothetical diagnostic strategy, compared to the current standard-of-care in GP practices. RESULTS Compared to the current standard-of-care, the diagnostic algorithm increases the total costs of GP consultations for CA-ARTI by 9% and 19%, when priced at €5 and €10, respectively. The forecast increase in Streptococcus pneumoniae resistance against penicillins can be partly restrained by the hypothetical diagnostic strategy from 3.8 to 3.5% in 2030, albeit with considerable uncertainty. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that implementing a hypothetical diagnostic strategy for all CA-ARTI patients in primary care raises the costs of consultations, while lowering antibiotic consumption and AMR. Novel health-economic methods to assess and communicate the potential benefits related to AMR may be required for interventions with limited gains for individual patients, but considerable potential related to antibiotic consumption and AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon van der Pol
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Health-Ecore, Zeist, The Netherlands.
| | - Danielle E M C Jansen
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Sociology, Interuniversity Center for Social Science Theory and Methodology (ICS), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alike W van der Velden
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Medicine, Cardiff Sciences, University, Cardiff of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Theo J M Verheij
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alex W Friedrich
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Institute of European Prevention Networks in Infection Control, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Maarten J Postma
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Health-Ecore, Zeist, The Netherlands
- Department of Economics, Econometrics and Finance, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Antoinette D I van Asselt
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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15
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D’Hulster L, Abrams S, Bruyndonckx R, Anthierens S, Adriaenssens N, Butler CC, Verheij T, Goossens H, Little P, Coenen S. Nationwide implementation of online communication skills training to reduce overprescribing of antibiotics: a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial in general practice. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2022; 4:dlac070. [PMID: 35774072 PMCID: PMC9240414 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlac070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Primary care is responsible for a large proportion of unnecessary antibiotic use, which is one of the main drivers of antibiotic resistance. Randomized trials have found that online communication skills training for GPs reduces antibiotic prescribing for respiratory infections. This study assesses the real-world effect of implementing online communication skills training in general practice. Methods In a closed cohort stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial all Belgian GPs were invited to participate in online communication skills training courses (TRACE and INTRO) and provided with linked patient information booklets. The primary outcome was the antibiotic prescribing rate per 1000 patient contacts. Intention-to-treat and per protocol analyses were performed. Trial registration at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03265028. Results In total, 118 487 observations from 10 375 GPs were included in the analysis. Overall, 299 (2.88%) GPs completed TRACE and 93 (0.90%) completed INTRO, 30 of which completed both. There was no effect of the national implementation of TRACE and INTRO on the population-level antibiotic prescribing rate (prescribing rate ratio [PRR] = 0.99 [95% CI: 0.97–1.02]). GPs who actually completed TRACE prescribed fewer antibiotic prescriptions (PRR = 0.93 [95% CI: 0.90–0.95]). Conclusions Inviting GPs to complete an online communication skills training course and providing them with the linked patient information booklets did not reduce antibiotic prescribing. However, GPs who completed TRACE prescribed 7% fewer antibiotics, especially during winter. This suggests a significant decrease in population-wide antibiotic consumption could be achieved by focusing on increasing the uptake of this intervention by identifying and overcoming barriers to participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon D’Hulster
- National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance , Galileelaan 5/01, 1210 Brussels , Belgium
| | - Steven Abrams
- Global Health Institute, Department of Family Medicine & Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium
- Data Science Institute, Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics (I-BioStat), UHasselt , Diepenbeek , Belgium
| | - Robin Bruyndonckx
- Data Science Institute, Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics (I-BioStat), UHasselt , Diepenbeek , Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium
- Centre for General Practice, Department of Family Medicine & Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium
| | - Niels Adriaenssens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium
- Centre for General Practice, Department of Family Medicine & Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium
| | - Chris C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford , Oxford , United Kingdom
| | - Theo Verheij
- Julius Centre for Health, Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Herman Goossens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care Research Centre, Aldermoor Health Centre, Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium
- Centre for General Practice, Department of Family Medicine & Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium
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16
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Borek AJ, Santillo M, Wanat M, Butler CC, Tonkin-Crine S. How can behavioural science contribute to qualitative research on antimicrobial stewardship in primary care? JAC Antimicrob Resist 2022; 4:dlac007. [PMID: 35156031 PMCID: PMC8826758 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlac007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic use (and misuse) accelerates antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and addressing this complex problem necessitates behaviour change related to infection prevention and management and to antibiotic prescribing and use. As most antibiotic courses are prescribed in primary care, a key focus of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is on changing behaviours outside of hospital. Behavioural science draws on behaviour change theories, techniques and methods developed in health psychology, and can be used to help understand and change behaviours related to AMR/AMS. Qualitative methodologies can be used together with a behavioural science approach to explore influences on behaviour and develop and evaluate behavioural interventions. This paper provides an overview of how the behavioural science approach, together with qualitative methods, can contribute and add value to AMS projects. First, it introduces and explains the relevance of the behavioural science approach to AMR/AMS. Second, it provides an overview of behaviour change 'tools': behaviour change theories/models, behavioural determinants and behaviour change techniques. Third, it explains how behavioural methods can be used to: (i) define a clinical problem in behavioural terms and identify behavioural influences; (ii) develop and implement behavioural AMS interventions; and (iii) evaluate them. These are illustrated with examples of using qualitative methods in AMS studies in primary care. Finally, the paper concludes by summarizing the main contributions of taking the behavioural science approach to qualitative AMS research in primary care and discussing the key implications and future directions for research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra J. Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marta Santillo
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marta Wanat
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christopher C. Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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17
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Barrett L, Adams T, Whitehouse DP, Richter S, Boyle AA, Newcombe V. Journal update monthly top five. Emerg Med J 2021; 39:80-82. [PMID: 34933909 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2021-212197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liam Barrett
- Emergency Department, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK .,University Division of Anaesthesia, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas Adams
- Emergency Department, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Daniel P Whitehouse
- Emergency Department, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.,University Division of Anaesthesia, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sophie Richter
- Emergency Department, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.,University Division of Anaesthesia, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Adrian A Boyle
- Emergency Department, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Virginia Newcombe
- Emergency Department, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.,University Division of Anaesthesia, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
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18
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Leveraging implementation science to advance antibiotic stewardship practice and research. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021; 43:139-146. [PMID: 34852212 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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19
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van der Pol S, Garcia PR, Postma MJ, Villar FA, van Asselt ADI. Economic Analyses of Respiratory Tract Infection Diagnostics: A Systematic Review. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2021; 39:1411-1427. [PMID: 34263422 PMCID: PMC8279883 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-021-01054-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnostic testing for respiratory tract infections is a tool to manage the current COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the rising incidence of antimicrobial resistance. At the same time, new European regulations for market entry of in vitro diagnostics, in the form of the in vitro diagnostic regulation, may lead to more clinical evidence supporting health-economic analyses. OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review was to review the methods used in economic evaluations of applied diagnostic techniques, for all patients seeking care for infectious diseases of the respiratory tract (such as pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, influenza, sinusitis, pharyngitis, sore throats and general respiratory tract infections). METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, articles from three large databases of scientific literature were included (Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed) for the period January 2000 to May 2020. RESULTS A total of 70 economic analyses are included, most of which use decision tree modelling for diagnostic testing for respiratory tract infections in the community-care setting. Many studies do not incorporate a generally comparable clinical outcome in their cost-effectiveness analysis: fewer than half the studies (33/70) used generalisable outcomes such as quality-adjusted life-years. Other papers consider outcomes related to the accuracy of the test or outcomes related to the prescribed treatment. The time horizons of the studies generally are limited. CONCLUSIONS The methods to economically assess diagnostic tests for respiratory tract infections vary and would benefit from clear recommendations from policy makers on the assessed time horizon and outcomes used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon van der Pol
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- UMCG, Sector F, afdeling Gezondheidswetenschappen, Simon van der Pol (FA10), Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Paula Rojas Garcia
- Department of Economics and Business, University of La Rioja, Rioja, Spain
| | - Maarten J Postma
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Economics, Econometrics and Finance, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Antoinette D I van Asselt
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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20
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Guo H, Hildon ZJL, Loh VWK, Sundram M, Ibrahim MAB, Tang WE, Chow A. Exploring antibiotic prescribing in public and private primary care settings in Singapore: a qualitative analysis informing theory and evidence-based planning for value-driven intervention design. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:205. [PMID: 34654368 PMCID: PMC8519324 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01556-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Singapore's healthcare system presents an ideal context to learn from diverse public and private operational models and funding systems. AIM To explore processes underpinning decision-making for antibiotic prescribing, by considering doctors' experiences in different primary care settings. METHODS Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 doctors working in publicly funded primary care clinics (polyclinics) and 13 general practitioners (GP) working in private practices (solo, small and large). Data were analysed using applied thematic analysis following realist principles, synthesised into a theoretical model, informing solutions to appropriate antibiotic prescribing. RESULTS Given Singapore's lack of national guidelines for antibiotic prescribing in primary care, practices are currently non-standardised. Themes contributing to optimal prescribing related first and foremost to personal valuing of reduction in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which was enabled further by organisational culture creating and sustaining such values, and if patients were convinced of these too. Building trusting patient-doctor relationships, supported by reasonable patient loads among other factors were consistently observed to allow shared decision-making enabling optimal prescribing. Transparency and applying data to inform practice was a minority theme, nevertheless underpinning all levels of optimal care delivery. These themes are synthesised into the VALUE model proposed for guiding interventions to improve antibiotic prescribing practices. These should aim to reinforce intrapersonal Values consistent with prioritising AMR reduction, and Aligning organisational culture to these by leveraging standardised guidelines and interpersonal intervention tools. Such interventions should account for the wider systemic constraints experienced in publicly funded high patient turnover institutions, or private clinics with transactional models of care. Thus, ultimately a focus on Liaison between patient and doctor is crucial. For instance, building in adequate consultation time and props as discussion aids, or quick turnover communication tools in time-constrained settings. Message consistency will ultimately improve trust, helping to enable shared decision-making. Lastly, Use of monitoring data to track and Evaluate antibiotic prescribing using meaningful indicators, that account for the role of shared decision-making can also be leveraged for change. CONCLUSIONS These VALUE dimensions are recommended as potentially transferable to diverse contexts, and the model as implementation tool to be tested empirically and updated accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Guo
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Office of Clinical Epidemiology, Analytics, and Knowledge, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health Systems, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zoe Jane-Lara Hildon
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health Systems, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Victor Weng Keong Loh
- Division of Family Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Meena Sundram
- National University Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Muhamad Alif Bin Ibrahim
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Office of Clinical Epidemiology, Analytics, and Knowledge, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Social and Health Sciences, James Cook University, Singapore Campus, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wern Ee Tang
- National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Angela Chow
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Office of Clinical Epidemiology, Analytics, and Knowledge, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health Systems, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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Assessing Reduction of Antibiotic Prescribing for Acute, Non-Complicated Infections in Primary Care in Germany: Multi-Step Outcome Evaluation in the Cluster-Randomized Trial ARena. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10101151. [PMID: 34680732 PMCID: PMC8532997 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10101151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The three-armed cluster-randomized trial ARena (sustainable reduction of antibiotic-induced antimicrobial resistance) aimed to foster appropriate antibiotic use and reduce overprescribing in German ambulatory care to counter antibiotic resistance. Multi-faceted interventions targeted primary care physicians, teams and patients. This study examined the effectiveness of the implementation program. ARena was conducted in 14 primary care networks with 196 practices. All arms received data-based feedback on antibiotics prescribing and quality circles. Arms II and III received different add-on components each. Primary outcome examined is the prescribing rate for systemic antibiotics for cases with non-complicated acute infections (upper respiratory tract, bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis media). Secondary outcomes refer to the prescribing of quinolones and guideline-recommended antibiotics. Based on pseudonymized quarterly claims data, mixed logistic regression models examined pre-post intervention antibiotic prescribing rate changes and compared to matched standard care. A significant rate reduction (arm I 11.7%; arm II 9.9%; arm III 12.7%) and significantly lower prescribing rates were observed for all arms (20.1%, 18.9% and 23.6%) compared to matched standard care (29.4%). Fluoroquinolone prescribing was reduced in all intervention arms and rates for recommended substances generally increased. No significant post-interventional difference between intervention arms was detected. Findings indicate implementation program impact compared to standard care.
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Lhopitallier L, Kronenberg A, Meuwly JY, Locatelli I, Mueller Y, Senn N, D'Acremont V, Boillat-Blanco N. Procalcitonin and lung ultrasonography point-of-care testing to determine antibiotic prescription in patients with lower respiratory tract infection in primary care: pragmatic cluster randomised trial. BMJ 2021; 374:n2132. [PMID: 34548312 PMCID: PMC9083102 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n2132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether point-of care procalcitonin and lung ultrasonography can safely reduce unnecessary antibiotic treatment in patients with lower respiratory tract infections in primary care. DESIGN Three group, pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial from September 2018 to March 2020. SETTING 60 Swiss general practices. PARTICIPANTS One general practitioner per practice was included. General practitioners screen all patients with acute cough; patients with clinical pneumonia were included. INTERVENTIONS Randomisation in a 1:1:1 of general practitioners to either antibiotics guided by sequential procalcitonin and lung ultrasonography point-of-care tests (UltraPro; n=152), procalcitonin guided antibiotics (n=195), or usual care (n=122). MAIN OUTCOMES Primary outcome was proportion of patients in each group prescribed an antibiotic by day 28. Secondary outcomes included duration of restricted activities due to lower respiratory tract infection within 14 days. RESULTS 60 general practitioners included 469 patients (median age 53 years (interquartile range 38-66); 278 (59%) were female). Probability of antibiotic prescription at day 28 was lower in the procalcitonin group than in the usual care group (0.40 v 0.70, cluster corrected difference -0.26 (95% confidence interval -0.41 to -0.10)). No significant difference was seen between UltraPro and procalcitonin groups (0.41 v 0.40, -0.03 (-0.17 to 0.12)). The median number of days with restricted activities by day 14 was 4 days in the procalcitonin group and 3 days in the usual care group (difference 1 day (95% confidence interval -0.23 to 2.32); hazard ratio 0.75 (95% confidence interval 0.58 to 0.97)), which did not prove non-inferiority. CONCLUSIONS Compared with usual care, point-of-care procalcitonin led to a 26% absolute reduction in the probability of 28 day antibiotic prescription without affecting patients' safety. Point-of-care lung ultrasonography did not further reduce antibiotic prescription, although a potential added value cannot be excluded, owing to the wide confidence intervals. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03191071.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loïc Lhopitallier
- Infectious Diseases Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Kronenberg
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Medix General Practice, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Yves Meuwly
- Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isabella Locatelli
- Department of Education, Research, and Innovation, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yolanda Mueller
- Department of Family Medicine, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Senn
- Department of Family Medicine, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valérie D'Acremont
- Department of Education, Research, and Innovation, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Digital Global Health Department, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
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De Vocht K, Debie T, Bastiaens H, Anthierens S. The use of paracetamol for first-line treatment of acute sore throat. A descriptive generic qualitative study of GPs and patients. Eur J Gen Pract 2021; 27:60-67. [PMID: 33949255 PMCID: PMC8118443 DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2021.1912730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Paracetamol is recommended as first-line treatment for an acute sore throat. However, in primary care, antibiotics are still frequently prescribed as first-line management for sore throat. Objectives We aimed to explore the views and experiences of general practitioners (GPs) and patients regarding paracetamol for sore throat to understand why guidelines are often not adhered to. Methods A descriptive qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted with a purposive sample of eight GPs and nine patients in Antwerp (Belgium). Data was analysed using thematic content analysis. Results The mean age of GPs was 42.4 years and of patients 51.4 years. Patients want reassurance and pain relief. Many patients do not self-manage their acute sore throat with paracetamol before consulting their GP. GPs often wrongly assume that the patient has already used pain relief without actually exploring this. Patients who do use paracetamol, do not know how to use it effectively. This leads to the perception and beliefs that it is insufficient to treat acute sore throat and when prescribed will lead to dissatisfaction. Patients generally accept the GP’s recommended treatment when given a thorough explanation, since they trust their GP’s expertise. Conclusion GPs play a major role in educating patients about paracetamol as effective pain-relieving treatment in acute sore throat. By actively exploring the patients’ ideas, concerns and expectations (ICE), patients’ satisfaction and guideline adherence could be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley De Vocht
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tycho Debie
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hilde Bastiaens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Borek AJ, Campbell A, Dent E, Butler CC, Holmes A, Moore M, Walker AS, McLeod M, Tonkin-Crine S. Implementing interventions to reduce antibiotic use: a qualitative study in high-prescribing practices. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:25. [PMID: 33485324 PMCID: PMC7825381 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01371-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trials have shown that delayed antibiotic prescriptions (DPs) and point-of-care C-Reactive Protein testing (POC-CRPT) are effective in reducing antibiotic use in general practice, but these were not typically implemented in high-prescribing practices. We aimed to explore views of professionals from high-prescribing practices about uptake and implementation of DPs and POC-CRPT to reduce antibiotic use. METHODS This was a qualitative focus group study in English general practices. The highest antibiotic prescribing practices in the West Midlands were invited to participate. Clinical and non-clinical professionals attended focus groups co-facilitated by two researchers. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. RESULTS Nine practices (50 professionals) participated. Four main themes were identified. Compatibility of strategies with clinical roles and experience - participants viewed the strategies as having limited value as 'clinical tools', perceiving them as useful only in 'rare' instances of clinical uncertainty and/or for those less experienced. Strategies as 'social tools' - participants perceived the strategies as helpful for negotiating treatment decisions and educating patients, particularly those expecting antibiotics. Ambiguities - participants perceived ambiguities around when they should be used, and about their impact on antibiotic use. Influence of context - various other situational and practical issues were raised with implementing the strategies. CONCLUSIONS High-prescribing practices do not view DPs and POC-CRPT as sufficiently useful 'clinical tools' in a way which corresponds to the current policy approach advocating their use to reduce clinical uncertainty and improve antimicrobial stewardship. Instead, policy attention should focus on how these strategies may instead be used as 'social tools' to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. Attention should also focus on the many ambiguities (concerns and questions) about, and contextual barriers to, using these strategies that need addressing to support wider and more consistent implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra J Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.
| | - Anne Campbell
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elle Dent
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Alison Holmes
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - A Sarah Walker
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Monsey McLeod
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Centre for Medication Safety and Service Quality, Pharmacy Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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25
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Poß-Doering R, Kuehn L, Kamradt M, Glassen K, Fleischhauer T, Kaufmann-Kolle P, Koeppen M, Wollny A, Altiner A, Wensing M. Converting habits of antibiotic use for respiratory tract infections in German primary care (CHANGE-3) - process evaluation of a complex intervention. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2020; 21:274. [PMID: 33341114 PMCID: PMC7749701 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-020-01351-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance remains a global challenge. In Germany, the national health agenda supports measures that enhance the appropriate, guideline-oriented use of antibiotics. The study "Converting Habits of Antibiotic Use for Respiratory Tract Infections in German Primary Care (CHANGE-3)" aimed at a sustainable reduction of antimicrobial resistance through converting patterns of prescribing practice and use of antibiotics and an increase in health literacy in primary care patients, practice teams, and in the general public. Embedded in a cluster-randomized trial of a multifaceted implementation program, a process evaluation focused on the uptake of program components to assess the fidelity of the implementation program in the CHANGE-3 study and to understand utilization of its educational components. METHODS A mix of qualitative and quantitative methods was used. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with General Practitioners, Medical Assistants, patients treated for respiratory tract infection and outreach visitors who had carried out individual outreach visits. A two-wave written survey (T1: 5 months after start, T2: 16 months after start) was conducted in general practitioners and medical assistants. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic framework analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey data. RESULTS Uptake of intervention components was heterogenous. Across all components, the uptake reported by General Practitioners varied from 20 to 88% at T1 and 31 to 63% at T2. Medical Assistants reported uptake from 22 to 70% at T1 and 6 to 69% at T2. Paper-based components could by and large be integrated in daily practice (64 to 90% in T1; 41 to 93% in T2), but uptake of digital components was low. A one-time outreach visit provided thematic information and feedback regarding actual prescribing, but due to time constraints were received with reluctance by practice teams. Patients were largely unaware of program components, but assumed that information and education could promote health literacy regarding antibiotics use. CONCLUSIONS The process evaluation contributed to understanding the applicability of the delivered educational components with regards to the appropriate use of antibiotics. Future research efforts need to identify the best mode of delivery to reach the targeted population. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN, ISRCTN15061174 . Registered 13 July 2018 - Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Poß-Doering
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - L. Kuehn
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M. Kamradt
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - K. Glassen
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Th. Fleischhauer
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - M. Koeppen
- aQua Institut, Maschmuehlenweg 8-10, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
| | - A. Wollny
- University Medical Center Rostock, Institute of General Practice, Doberaner Str. 142, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - A. Altiner
- University Medical Center Rostock, Institute of General Practice, Doberaner Str. 142, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - M. Wensing
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Poss-Doering R, Kuehn L, Kamradt M, Glassen K, Wensing M. Applying Digital Information Delivery to Convert Habits of Antibiotic Use in Primary Care in Germany: Mixed-Methods Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e18200. [PMID: 32960773 PMCID: PMC7578814 DOI: 10.2196/18200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance is an important global health issue. In Germany, the national agenda supports various interventions to convert habits of antibiotic use. In the CHANGE-3 (Converting Habits of Antibiotic Use for Respiratory Tract Infections in German Primary Care) study, digital tools were applied for information delivery: tablet computers in primary care practices, e-learning platforms for medical professionals, and a public website to promote awareness and health literacy among primary care physicians, their teams, and their patients. OBJECTIVE This study is embedded in the process evaluation of the CHANGE-3 study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptance and uptake of digital devices for the delivery of health-related information to enhance awareness and change habits of antibiotic use in primary care in Germany. METHODS This study used a convergent-parallel mixed-methods design. Audio-recorded semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with physicians, nonphysician health professionals, and patients in the CHANGE-3 program. Pseudonymized verbatim transcripts were coded using thematic analysis. In-depth analysis was performed based on the inductive category of information provision via digital information tools. Identified themes were related to the main postulates of Diffusion of Innovations theory (DIT) to provide an explanatory frame. In addition, data generated through a structured survey with physicians and nonphysician health professionals in the program were analyzed descriptively and integrated with the qualitative data to explore the complementarity of the findings. RESULTS Findings regarding the acceptance and uptake of digital devices were related to three postulates of DIT: innovation characteristics, communication channels, and unanticipated consequences. Participants considered the provided digital educative solutions to be supportive for promoting health literacy regarding conversion of habits of antibiotic use. However, health care professionals found it challenging to integrate these solutions into existing routines in primary care and to align them with their professional values. Low technology affinity was a major barrier to the use of digital information in primary care. Patients welcomed the general idea of introducing health-related information in digital formats; however, they expressed concerns about device-related hygiene and the appropriateness of the digital tools for older patients. CONCLUSIONS Patients and medical professionals in German primary care are reluctant to use digital devices for information and education. Using a Diffusion of Innovations approach can support assessment of existing barriers and provide information about setting-specific preconditions that are necessary for future tailoring of implementation strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) 15061174; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15061174.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Poss-Doering
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lukas Kuehn
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martina Kamradt
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Glassen
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michel Wensing
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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[Prescribing of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections in German outpatient pediatric care : Results of a survey of pediatricians and general practitioners]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2020; 63:1231-1240. [PMID: 32940747 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-020-03214-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric outpatients with respiratory tract infections (RTIs) comprise an important target population for antibiotic stewardship (ABS) intervention. OBJECTIVES The aim of this qualitative study was to determine which clinical and contextual factors have a significant impact on antibiotic therapy (ABT) in pediatric patients with RTIs. MATERIALS AND METHODS An online survey was developed and carried out in Germany in cooperation with the Federal Association of Pediatricians and the German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases. Pediatricians and general practitioners were invited to participate. RESULTS The survey yielded 555 complete response data sets. Diagnostic uncertainty, time constraints for repeated consultations, and fear of complications were identified by 50% of both medical specialties as contextual factors fostering ABT. The risk of serious complications (e.g., mastoiditis) was overestimated by the majority of participants. More than 40% of respondents lacked knowledge concerning official guidelines, and RTIs with fever lasting longer than three days appeared to be an important criterion for ABT for 30-40%. Fewer than 60% of physicians were using a point-of-care device to determine C‑reactive protein. CONCLUSION Although most participants acknowledged the growing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens as an important problem, this survey identifies targets for ABS in pediatric outpatients with RTIs. Ongoing education and training (e.g., better communication strategies in response to parental concerns) should become mandatory for those who prescribe ABT for children with RTIs.
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28
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Martínez-González NA, Keizer E, Plate A, Coenen S, Valeri F, Verbakel JYJ, Rosemann T, Neuner-Jehle S, Senn O. Point-of-Care C-Reactive Protein Testing to Reduce Antibiotic Prescribing for Respiratory Tract Infections in Primary Care: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9090610. [PMID: 32948060 PMCID: PMC7559694 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9090610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) point-of-care testing (POCT) is increasingly being promoted to reduce diagnostic uncertainty and enhance antibiotic stewardship. In primary care, respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the most common reason for inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, which is a major driver for antibiotic resistance. We systematically reviewed the available evidence on the impact of CRP-POCT on antibiotic prescribing for RTIs in primary care. Thirteen moderate to high-quality studies comprising 9844 participants met our inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses showed that CRP-POCT significantly reduced immediate antibiotic prescribing at the index consultation compared with usual care (RR 0.79, 95%CI 0.70 to 0.90, p = 0.0003, I2 = 76%) but not during 28-day (n = 7) follow-up. The immediate effect was sustained at 12 months (n = 1). In children, CRP-POCT reduced antibiotic prescribing when CRP (cut-off) guidance was provided (n = 2). Meta-analyses showed significantly higher rates of re-consultation within 30 days (n = 8, 1 significant). Clinical recovery, resolution of symptoms, and hospital admissions were not significantly different between CRP-POCT and usual care. CRP-POCT can reduce immediate antibiotic prescribing for RTIs in primary care (number needed to (NNT) for benefit = 8) at the expense of increased re-consultations (NNT for harm = 27). The increase in re-consultations and longer-term effects of CRP-POCT need further evaluation. Overall, the benefits of CRP-POCT outweigh the potential harms (NNTnet = 11).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahara Anani Martínez-González
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (E.K.); (A.P.); (F.V.); (T.R.); (S.N.-J.); (O.S.)
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse 3, PO Box 4466, CH-6002 Lucerne, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| | - Ellen Keizer
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (E.K.); (A.P.); (F.V.); (T.R.); (S.N.-J.); (O.S.)
| | - Andreas Plate
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (E.K.); (A.P.); (F.V.); (T.R.); (S.N.-J.); (O.S.)
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Centre for General Practice, Department of Family Medicine & Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp-Campus Drie Eiken, Doornstraat 331, 2610 Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium;
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp-Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium
| | - Fabio Valeri
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (E.K.); (A.P.); (F.V.); (T.R.); (S.N.-J.); (O.S.)
| | - Jan Yvan Jos Verbakel
- EPI-Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Kapucijnenvoer 33, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, NIHR Community Healthcare MIC, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Primary Care Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Thomas Rosemann
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (E.K.); (A.P.); (F.V.); (T.R.); (S.N.-J.); (O.S.)
| | - Stefan Neuner-Jehle
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (E.K.); (A.P.); (F.V.); (T.R.); (S.N.-J.); (O.S.)
| | - Oliver Senn
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (E.K.); (A.P.); (F.V.); (T.R.); (S.N.-J.); (O.S.)
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Avent ML, Cosgrove SE, Price-Haywood EG, van Driel ML. Antimicrobial stewardship in the primary care setting: from dream to reality? BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2020; 21:134. [PMID: 32641063 PMCID: PMC7346425 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-020-01191-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinicians who work in primary care are potentially the most influential healthcare professionals to address the problem of antibiotic resistance because this is where most antibiotics are prescribed. Despite a number of evidence based interventions targeting the management of community infections, the inappropriate antibiotic prescribing rates remain high. DISCUSSION The question is how can appropriate prescribing of antibiotics through the use of Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) programs be successfully implemented in primary care. We discuss that a top-down approach utilising a combination of strategies to ensure the sustainable implementation and uptake of AMS interventions in the community is necessary to support clinicians and ensure a robust implementation of AMS in primary care. Specifically, we recommend a national accreditation standard linked to the framework of Core Elements of Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship, supported by resources to fund the implementation of AMS interventions that are connected to quality improvement initiatives. This article debates how this can be achieved. The paper highlights that in order to support the sustainable uptake of AMS programs in primary care, an approach similar to the hospital and post-acute care settings needs to be adopted, utilising a combination of behavioural and regulatory processes supported by sustainable funding. Without these strategies the problem of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing will not be adequately addressed in the community and the successful implementation and uptake of AMS programs will remain a dream.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Avent
- Statewide Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia.
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - S E Cosgrove
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - E G Price-Haywood
- Ochsner Health System, Center for Outcomes and Health Services Research, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Ochnser Clinical School, The University of Queensland, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - M L van Driel
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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C-reactive protein-guided antibiotic prescribing for COPD exacerbations: a qualitative evaluation. Br J Gen Pract 2020; 70:e505-e513. [PMID: 32424045 PMCID: PMC7239040 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp20x709865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antibiotics are prescribed to >70% of patients presenting in primary care with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). The PACE randomised controlled trial found that a C-reactive protein point-of-care test (CRP-POCT) management strategy for AECOPD in primary care resulted in a 20% reduction in patient-reported antibiotic consumption over 4 weeks. Aim To understand perceptions of the value of CRP-POCT for guiding antibiotic prescribing for AECOPD; explore possible mechanisms, mediators, and pathways to effects; and identify potential barriers and facilitators to implementation from the perspectives of patients and clinicians. Design and setting Qualitative process evaluation in UK general practices. Method Semi-structured telephone interviews with 20 patients presenting with an AECOPD and 20 primary care staff, purposively sampled from the PACE study. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using framework analysis. Results Patients and clinicians felt that CRP-POCT was useful in guiding clinicians’ antibiotic prescribing decisions for AECOPD, and were positive about introduction of the test in routine care. The CRP-POCT enhanced clinician confidence in antibiotic prescribing decisions, reduced decisional ambiguity, and facilitated communication with patients. Some clinicians thought the CRP-POCT should be routinely used in consultations for AECOPD; others favoured use only when there was decisional uncertainty. CRP-POCT cartridge preparation time and cost were potential barriers to implementation. Conclusion CRP-POCT-guided antibiotic prescribing for AECOPD had high acceptability, but commissioning arrangements and further simplification of the CRP-POCT need attention to facilitate implementation in routine practice.
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Whyte J, Winiecki S, Hoffman C, Patel K. FDA collaboration to improve safe use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics: an ex post facto matched control study of targeted short-form messaging and online education served to high prescribers. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2020; 18:1773. [PMID: 32377279 PMCID: PMC7194042 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2020.2.1773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This ex post facto matched control study was conducted to
evaluate the effect of targeted short-form messages or continuing medical
education (CME) on fluoroquinolone prescribing among high prescribers. Methods: A total of 11,774 Medscape healthcare provider (HCP) members prescribing high
volumes of fluoroquinolones were randomized into three segments to receive
one of three unique targeted short-form messages, each delivered via email,
web alerts, and mobile alerts. Some HCPs receiving targeted short-form
messages also participated in CME on fluoroquinolone prescribing. A fourth
segment of HCPs participated in CME only. Test HCPs were matched to
third-party-provider prescriber data to identify control HCPs. We used
prescriber data to determine new prescription volume; percentage (%)
of HCPs with reduced prescribing; new prescription volume for acute
bacterial sinusitis (ABS), uncomplicated urinary tract infection (uUTI), and
acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis in those with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (ABECB-COPD). Open rates for emailed targeted
short-form messages were also measured. Results: Targeted short-form messages and CME each resulted in significant new
prescription volume reduction versus control. Combining targeted short-form
messages with CME yielded the greatest percentage of test HCPs with reduced
prescribing (80.1%) versus controls (76.2%; p<0.0001).
New prescription volume decreased significantly for uUTI and ABS following
exposure to targeted short-form messages, CME, or both. Targeted short-form
messages containing comparative prescribing information with or without
clinical context were opened at slightly higher rates (10.8% and
10.6%, respectively) than targeted short-form messages containing
clinical context alone (9.1%). Conclusions: Targeted short-form messages and CME, alone and in combination, are
associated with reduced oral fluoroquinolone prescribing among high
prescribers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Whyte
- MD, MPH. Chief Medical Officer, WebMD. New York, NY (United States).
| | - Scott Winiecki
- MD. Director. Safe Use Initiative, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Silver Spring, MD (United States).
| | - Christina Hoffman
- MS. Group Vice President. Quality and Strategy, Medscape Education. New York, NY (United States).
| | - Kaushal Patel
- MBA. Group Vice President. Marketing Sciences, WebMD. New York, NY (United States).
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Wilkinson M, Day E, Purnell J, Pilecka I, Perdue I, Murray J, Hunter EM, Goldstein LH. The experiences of therapists providing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for dissociative seizures in the CODES randomized controlled trial: A qualitative study. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 105:106943. [PMID: 32078929 PMCID: PMC7156910 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.106943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known about the experiences of therapists delivering psychotherapy for patients with dissociative seizures (DS), a complex disorder associated with a range of comorbid psychosocial and mental health difficulties. This study set out to explore therapists' experiences of delivering DS-specific, manualized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to adults with DS within the context of a randomized control trial. METHODS Interviews were conducted with 12 therapists involved in the COgnitive behavioral therapy vs standardized medical care for adults with Dissociative non-Epileptic Seizures (CODES) trial and were analyzed using thematic framework analysis (TFA). RESULTS Six main themes emerged, namely 1) aspects of the intervention that were favored, while others were not always considered applicable; 2) multiple and complex difficulties faced by patients; 3) working effectively within the protocol; 4) limitations of the protocol; 5) significance of formulation; and 6) quality of standardized medical care (SMC) and difficulties of diagnosis delivery. These addressed valued aspects of the intervention, complexities of the patient group, and experiences working within a structured treatment protocol. Family involvement and psychoeducation were highlighted as important components; the applicability of graded exposure techniques, however, was restricted by patients' apparent emotional avoidance. The structure provided by the treatment protocol was valued, but flexibility was important to individualize treatment in complex cases. A comprehensive formulation was fundamental to this. The initial diagnostic explanation provided by neurologists and psychiatrists was generally considered beneficial, with patients often perceived to enter therapy with a better understanding of their condition. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that the DS-specific CBT intervention met with general approval from therapists who also highlighted some practical challenges. Because of the nature of the condition, the need for experience of working with complex patients should be considered when applying the intervention to individual cases. Setting the CBT intervention in the context of a structured care pathway involving neurology and psychiatry may facilitate the therapeutic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Wilkinson
- Canterbury Christ Church University, Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology, Tunbridge Wells, UK,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Elana Day
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - James Purnell
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Izabela Pilecka
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Iain Perdue
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Joanna Murray
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Edyta Monika Hunter
- Canterbury Christ Church University, Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology, Tunbridge Wells, UK
| | - Laura H. Goldstein
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychology, PO77, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.
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Francis NA, Gillespie D, White P, Bates J, Lowe R, Sewell B, Phillips R, Stanton H, Kirby N, Wootton M, Thomas-Jones E, Hood K, Llor C, Cals J, Melbye H, Naik G, Gal M, Fitzsimmons D, Alam MF, Riga E, Cochrane A, Butler CC. C-reactive protein point-of-care testing for safely reducing antibiotics for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the PACE RCT. Health Technol Assess 2020; 24:1-108. [PMID: 32202490 PMCID: PMC7132534 DOI: 10.3310/hta24150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most patients presenting with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in primary care are prescribed antibiotics, but these may not be beneficial, and they can cause side effects and increase the risk of subsequent resistant infections. Point-of-care tests (POCTs) could safely reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and antimicrobial resistance. OBJECTIVE To determine whether or not the use of a C-reactive protein (CRP) POCT to guide prescribing decisions for AECOPD reduces antibiotic consumption without having a negative impact on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) health status and is cost-effective. DESIGN A multicentre, parallel-arm, randomised controlled open trial with an embedded process, and a health economic evaluation. SETTING General practices in Wales and England. A UK NHS perspective was used for the economic analysis. PARTICIPANTS Adults (aged ≥ 40 years) with a primary care diagnosis of COPD, presenting with an AECOPD (with at least one of increased dyspnoea, increased sputum volume and increased sputum purulence) of between 24 hours' and 21 days' duration. INTERVENTION CRP POCTs to guide antibiotic prescribing decisions for AECOPD, compared with usual care (no CRP POCT), using remote online randomisation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Patient-reported antibiotic consumption for AECOPD within 4 weeks post randomisation and COPD health status as measured with the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ) at 2 weeks. For the economic evaluation, patient-reported resource use and the EuroQol-5 Dimensions were included. RESULTS In total, 653 participants were randomised from 86 general practices. Three withdrew consent and one was randomised in error, leaving 324 participants in the usual-care arm and 325 participants in the CRP POCT arm. Antibiotics were consumed for AECOPD by 212 out of 274 participants (77.4%) and 150 out of 263 participants (57.0%) in the usual-care and CRP POCT arm, respectively [adjusted odds ratio 0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20 to 0.47]. The CCQ analysis comprised 282 and 281 participants in the usual-care and CRP POCT arms, respectively, and the adjusted mean CCQ score difference at 2 weeks was 0.19 points (two-sided 90% CI -0.33 to -0.05 points). The upper limit of the CI did not contain the prespecified non-inferiority margin of 0.3. The total cost from a NHS perspective at 4 weeks was £17.59 per patient higher in the CRP POCT arm (95% CI -£34.80 to £69.98; p = 0.408). The mean incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were £222 per 1% reduction in antibiotic consumption compared with usual care at 4 weeks and £15,251 per quality-adjusted life-year gained at 6 months with no significant changes in sensitivity analyses. Patients and clinicians were generally supportive of including CRP POCT in the assessment of AECOPD. CONCLUSIONS A CRP POCT diagnostic strategy achieved meaningful reductions in patient-reported antibiotic consumption without impairing COPD health status or increasing costs. There were no associated harms and both patients and clinicians valued the diagnostic strategy. FUTURE WORK Implementation studies that also build on our qualitative findings could help determine the effect of this intervention over the longer term. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN24346473. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 15. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick A Francis
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - David Gillespie
- South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Patrick White
- Department of Primary Care & Public Health Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Janine Bates
- South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Rachel Lowe
- South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Bernadette Sewell
- Swansea Centre for Health Economics, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Rhiannon Phillips
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Helen Stanton
- South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nigel Kirby
- South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Mandy Wootton
- Specialist Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Unit, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Emma Thomas-Jones
- South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kerenza Hood
- South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Carl Llor
- University Institute in Primary Care Research Jordi Gol, Via Roma Health Centre, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jochen Cals
- Department of Family Medicine, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Hasse Melbye
- General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Gurudutt Naik
- Department of Wound Healing, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Micaela Gal
- Wales Primary and Emergency Care Research Centre, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Deborah Fitzsimmons
- Swansea Centre for Health Economics, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Mohammed Fasihul Alam
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Evgenia Riga
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ann Cochrane
- Department of Primary Care & Public Health Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Primary Care and Vaccines Collaborative Clinical Trials Unit, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Saha SK, Barton C, Promite S, Mazza D. Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices of Community Pharmacists Towards Antimicrobial Stewardship: A Systematic Scoping Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2019; 8:antibiotics8040263. [PMID: 31842511 PMCID: PMC6963969 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics8040263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The scope of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) surveys on community pharmacists (CPs) is uncertain. This study examines the breadth and quality of AMS survey tools measuring the stewardship knowledge, perceptions and practices (KPP) of CPs and analyse survey outcomes. Following PRISMA-ScR checklist and Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework seven medical databases were searched. Two reviewers independently screened the literatures, assessed quality of surveys and KPP outcomes were analysed and described. Ten surveys were identified that assessed CPs’ AMS perceptions (n = 7) and practices (n = 8) but none that assessed AMS knowledge. Three survey tools had been formally validated. Most CPs perceived that AMS improved patient care (median 86.0%, IQR, 83.3–93.5%, n = 6), and reduced inappropriate antibiotic use (84.0%, IQR, 83–85%, n = 2). CPs collaborated with prescribers for infection control (54.7%, IQR 34.8–63.2%, n = 4) and for uncertain antibiotic treatment (77.0%, IQR 55.2–77.8%, n = 5). CPs educated patients (53.0%, IQR, 43.2–67.4%, n = 5) and screened guideline-compliance of antimicrobial prescriptions (47.5%, IQR, 25.2–58.3%, n = 3). Guidelines, training, interactions with prescribers, and reimbursement models were major barriers to CP-led AMS implementation. A limited number of validated survey tools are available to assess AMS perceptions and practices of CPs. AMS survey tools require further development to assess stewardship knowledge, stewardship targets, and implementation by CPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajal K. Saha
- Department of General Practice, Monash University, Building 1, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia; (C.B.); (D.M.)
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-0452-6395-59
| | - Chris Barton
- Department of General Practice, Monash University, Building 1, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia; (C.B.); (D.M.)
| | - Shukla Promite
- Department of Infection Immunity and Human Disease, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
| | - Danielle Mazza
- Department of General Practice, Monash University, Building 1, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia; (C.B.); (D.M.)
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
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35
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Rowe TA, Linder JA. Novel approaches to decrease inappropriate ambulatory antibiotic use. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2019; 17:511-521. [DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2019.1635455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa A. Rowe
- General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Northwestern University of Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Linder
- General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Northwestern University of Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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36
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Greiver M, Dahrouge S, O’Brien P, Manca D, Lussier MT, Wang J, Burge F, Grandy M, Singer A, Twohig M, Moineddin R, Kalia S, Aliarzadeh B, Ivers N, Garies S, Turner JP, Farrell B. Improving care for elderly patients living with polypharmacy: protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomized trial in community-based primary care practices in Canada. Implement Sci 2019; 14:55. [PMID: 31171011 PMCID: PMC6551894 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-019-0904-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elders living with polypharmacy may be taking medications that do not benefit them. Polypharmacy can be associated with elevated risks of poor health, reduced quality of life, high care costs, and persistently complex care needs. While many medications could be problematic, this project targets medications that should be deprescribed for most elders and for which guidelines and evidence-based deprescribing tools are available. These are termed potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs) and are as follows: proton pump inhibitors, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and sulfonylureas. Implementation strategies for deprescribing PIPs in complex older patient populations are needed. METHODS This will be a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial in community-based primary care practices across Canada. Eligible practices provide comprehensive primary care and have at least one physician that consents to participate. Community-dwelling patients aged 65 years and older with ten or more unique medication prescriptions in the past year will be included. The objective is to assess whether the intervention reduces targeted PIPs for these patients compared with usual care. The intervention, Structured Process Informed by Data, Evidence and Research (SPIDER), is a collaboration between quality improvement (QI) and research programs. Primary care teams will form interprofessional Learning Collaboratives and work with QI coaches to review electronic medical record data provided by their regional Practice Based Research Networks (PBRNs), identify areas of improvement, and develop and implement changes. The study will be tested for feasibility in three PBRNs (Toronto, Montreal, and Edmonton) using prospective single-arm mixed methods. Findings will then guide a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial in five PBRNs (Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal, and Halifax). Seven practices per PBRN will be recruited for each arm. The analysis will be by intention to treat. Ten percent of patients who have at least one PIP at baseline will be randomly selected to participate in the assessment of patient experience and self-reported outcomes. Qualitative methods will be used to explore patient and physician experience and evaluate SPIDER's processes. CONCLUSION We are testing SPIDER in a primary care population with complex care needs. This could provide a widely applicable model for care improvement. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03689049 ; registered September 28, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Greiver
- North York General Hospital, 4001 Leslie Street, LE-140, Toronto, Ontario M2K 1E1 Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 4001 Leslie Street, LE-140, Toronto, Ontario M2K 1E1 Canada
| | - S. Dahrouge
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6M1 Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, 43 Bruyère Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5C8 Canada
| | - P. O’Brien
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 4001 Leslie Street, LE-140, Toronto, Ontario M2K 1E1 Canada
| | - D. Manca
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, 8303 - 112 Street NW, 610 University Terrace, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2T4 Canada
| | - M. T. Lussier
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, University of Montreal, 1755 René Laennec, Bureau DS-079, Laval, Québec H7M3L9 Canada
| | - J. Wang
- North York General Hospital, 4001 Leslie Street, LE-140, Toronto, Ontario M2K 1E1 Canada
| | - F. Burge
- Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, 8F, 8525 Abbie J Lane Building, 5909 Veterans’ Memorial Lane, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2E2 Canada
| | - M. Grandy
- Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, 8F, 8525 Abbie J Lane Building, 5909 Veterans’ Memorial Lane, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2E2 Canada
| | - A. Singer
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, D009 – 780 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2 Canada
| | - M. Twohig
- North York General Hospital, 4001 Leslie Street, LE-140, Toronto, Ontario M2K 1E1 Canada
| | - R. Moineddin
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 4001 Leslie Street, LE-140, Toronto, Ontario M2K 1E1 Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7 Canada
| | - S. Kalia
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 4001 Leslie Street, LE-140, Toronto, Ontario M2K 1E1 Canada
| | - B. Aliarzadeh
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 4001 Leslie Street, LE-140, Toronto, Ontario M2K 1E1 Canada
| | - N. Ivers
- Family Practice Health Centre and Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B2 Canada
| | - S. Garies
- Department of family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, G012 Health Sciences Centre, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1 Canada
| | - J. P. Turner
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, 2900 Edouard Montpetit Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4 Canada
- Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire de Geriatrie de Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - B. Farrell
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6M1 Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, 43 Bruyère Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5C8 Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
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Little P, Stuart B, Francis N, Douglas E, Tonkin-Crine S, Anthierens S, Cals JWL, Melbye H, Santer M, Moore M, Coenen S, Butler CC, Hood K, Kelson M, Godycki-Cwirko M, Mierzecki A, Torres A, Llor C, Davies M, Mullee M, O'Reilly G, van der Velden A, Geraghty AWA, Goossens H, Verheij T, Yardley L. Antibiotic Prescribing for Acute Respiratory Tract Infections 12 Months After Communication and CRP Training: A Randomized Trial. Ann Fam Med 2019; 17:125-132. [PMID: 30858255 PMCID: PMC6411389 DOI: 10.1370/afm.2356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE C-reactive-protein (CRP) is useful for diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections (RTIs). A large international trial documented that Internet-based training in CRP point-of-care testing, in enhanced communication skills, or both reduced antibiotic prescribing at 3 months, with risk ratios (RRs) of 0.68, 0.53, 0.38, respectively. We report the longer-term impact in this trial. METHODS A total of 246 general practices in 6 countries were cluster-randomized to usual care, Internet-based training on CRP point-of-care testing, Internet-based training on enhanced communication skills and interactive booklet, or both interventions combined. The main outcome was antibiotic prescribing for RTIs after 12 months. RESULTS Of 228 practices providing 3-month data, 74% provided 12-month data, with no demonstrable attrition bias. Between 3 months and 12 months, prescribing for RTIs decreased with usual care (from 58% to 51%), but increased with CRP training (from 35% to 43%) and with both interventions combined (from 32% to 45%); at 12 months, the adjusted RRs compared with usual care were 0.75 (95% CI, 0.51-1.00) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.49-0.93), respectively. Between 3 months and 12 months, the reduction in prescribing with communication training was maintained (41% and 40%, with an RR at 12 months of 0.70 [95% CI, 0.49-0.94]). Although materials were provided for free, clinicians seldom used booklets and rarely used CRP point-of-care testing. Communication training, but not CRP training, remained efficacious for reducing prescribing for lower RTIs (RR = 0.7195% CI, 0.45-0.99, and RR = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.47-1.06, respectively), whereas both remained efficacious for reducing prescribing for upper RTIs (RR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37-0.94, and RR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.36-0.92, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Internet-based training in enhanced communication skills remains effective in the longer term for reducing antibiotic prescribing. The early improvement seen with CRP training wanes, and this training becomes ineffective for lower RTIs, the only current indication for using CRP testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Little
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye).
| | - Beth Stuart
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Nick Francis
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Elaine Douglas
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Jochen W L Cals
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Hasse Melbye
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Miriam Santer
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Chris C Butler
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Kerenza Hood
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Mark Kelson
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Maciek Godycki-Cwirko
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Artur Mierzecki
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Antoni Torres
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Carl Llor
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Melanie Davies
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Mark Mullee
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Gilly O'Reilly
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Alike van der Velden
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Adam W A Geraghty
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Herman Goossens
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Theo Verheij
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
| | - Lucy Yardley
- Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom (Little, Mullee, Stuart, O'Reilly, Moore, Geraghty, Santer); School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (Yardley); Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK (Douglas); Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verheij, van der Velden); Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (Butler, Tonkin-Crine); Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Francis); South East Wales Trials Unit, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Hood); Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK (Kelson); Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland (Godycki-Cwirko); Laboratory of Family Physician Education, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (Mierzecki); Ely Bridge Surgery, Ely, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Davies); Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax (ICT), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-University of Barcelona (UB)-Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes) Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain (Torres); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXIN-FECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Coenen); Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Goossens); Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Universityof Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (Anthierens); University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, Spanish Society of Family Medicine (semFYC) (Llor); Maastricht University/CAPHRI, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Cals); and General Practice Research Unit, Department of Community Medicine, UIT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Melbye)
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O'Connor R, O'Doherty J, O'Regan A, Dunne C. Antibiotic use for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) in primary care; what factors affect prescribing and why is it important? A narrative review. Ir J Med Sci 2018; 187:969-986. [PMID: 29532292 PMCID: PMC6209023 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-018-1774-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance is an emerging global threat to health and is associated with increased consumption of antibiotics. Seventy-four per cent of antibiotic prescribing takes place in primary care. Much of this is for inappropriate treatment of acute respiratory tract infections. AIMS To review the published literature pertaining to antibiotic prescribing in order to identify and understand the factors that affect primary care providers' prescribing decisions. METHODS Six online databases were searched for relevant paper using agreed criteria. One hundred ninety-five papers were retrieved, and 139 were included in this review. RESULTS Primary care providers are highly influenced to prescribe by patient expectation for antibiotics, clinical uncertainty and workload induced time pressures. Strategies proven to reduce such inappropriate prescribing include appropriately aimed multifaceted educational interventions for primary care providers, mass media educational campaigns aimed at healthcare professionals and the public, use of good communication skills in the consultation, use of delayed prescriptions especially when accompanied by written information, point of care testing and, probably, longer less pressurised consultations. Delayed prescriptions also facilitate focused personalised patient education. CONCLUSION There is an emerging consensus in the literature regarding strategies proven to reduce antibiotic consumption for acute respiratory tract infections. The widespread adoption of these strategies in primary care is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray O'Connor
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick City, Limerick, 000, Ireland.
| | - Jane O'Doherty
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick City, Limerick, 000, Ireland
| | - Andrew O'Regan
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick City, Limerick, 000, Ireland
| | - Colum Dunne
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick City, Limerick, 000, Ireland
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Dobler CC, Sanchez M, Gionfriddo MR, Alvarez-Villalobos NA, Singh Ospina N, Spencer-Bonilla G, Thorsteinsdottir B, Benkhadra R, Erwin PJ, West CP, Brito JP, Murad MH, Montori VM. Impact of decision aids used during clinical encounters on clinician outcomes and consultation length: a systematic review. BMJ Qual Saf 2018; 28:499-510. [PMID: 30301874 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2018-008022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinicians' satisfaction with encounter decision aids is an important component in facilitating implementation of these tools. We aimed to determine the impact of decision aids supporting shared decision making (SDM) during the clinical encounter on clinician outcomes. METHODS We searched nine databases from inception to June 2017. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of decision aids used during clinical encounters with an unaided control group were eligible for inclusion. Due to heterogeneity among included studies, we used a narrative evidence synthesis approach. RESULTS Twenty-five papers met inclusion criteria including 22 RCTs and 3 qualitative or mixed-methods studies nested in an RCT, together representing 23 unique trials. These trials evaluated healthcare decisions for cardiovascular prevention and treatment (n=8), treatment of diabetes mellitus (n=3), treatment of osteoporosis (n=2), treatment of depression (n=2), antibiotics to treat acute respiratory infections (n=3), cancer prevention and treatment (n=4) and prenatal diagnosis (n=1). Clinician outcomes were measured in only a minority of studies. Clinicians' satisfaction with decision making was assessed in only 8 (and only 2 of them showed statistically significantly greater satisfaction with the decision aid); only three trials asked if clinicians would recommend the decision aid to colleagues and only five asked if clinicians would use decision aids in the future. Outpatient consultations were not prolonged when a decision aid was used in 9 out of 13 trials. The overall strength of the evidence was low, with the major risk of bias related to lack of blinding of participants and/or outcome assessors. CONCLUSION Decision aids can improve clinicians' satisfaction with medical decision making and provide helpful information without affecting length of consultation time. Most SDM trials, however, omit outcomes related to clinicians' perspective on the decision making process or the likelihood of using a decision aid in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Caroline Dobler
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA .,Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Manuel Sanchez
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michael R Gionfriddo
- Center for Pharmacy Innovation and Outcomes, Geisinger, Forty Fort, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Neri A Alvarez-Villalobos
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario, Unidad de Investigación Clínica, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Naykky Singh Ospina
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Bjorg Thorsteinsdottir
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Raed Benkhadra
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Colin P West
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Juan P Brito
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mohammad Hassan Murad
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Victor M Montori
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Hopman NEM, Hulscher MEJL, Graveland H, Speksnijder DC, Wagenaar JA, Broens EM. Factors influencing antimicrobial prescribing by Dutch companion animal veterinarians: A qualitative study. Prev Vet Med 2018; 158:106-113. [PMID: 30220383 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Use of antimicrobials selects for antimicrobial resistance, and this poses a threat for both human and animal health. Although previous studies show that total antimicrobial use in Dutch companion animal clinics is relatively low and decreasing, the majority of antimicrobials prescribed are categorised as critically important for human medicine by the World Health Organization (WHO). Large differences in use between clinics are also observed. Identification of factors that influence the prescribing behaviour of veterinarians is needed to tailor future interventions aimed at promoting prudent use of antimicrobials in companion animals. The aim of this study was to explore factors influencing the antimicrobial prescribing behaviour of companion animal veterinarians in the Netherlands. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were used to interview 18 Dutch companion animal veterinarians. Interviews were held until theoretical data saturation was reached. An interview guide was used to structure the interviews, and ATLAS.ti 7.5 was used to manage and analyse the qualitative data. An iterative approach was applied to develop a conceptual model of factors that influence antimicrobial prescribing behaviour. The conceptual model shows four major categories of factors that influence the antimicrobial prescribing behaviour: veterinarian-related factors, patient-related (i.e. owner- and pet-related) factors, treatment-related factors (i.e. alternative treatment options and antimicrobial-related factors) and contextual factors (i.e. professional interactions, further diagnostics and environmental factors). All four major categories of influencing factors should be addressed to improve awareness on antimicrobial prescribing behaviour and to develop an antimicrobial stewardship programme for companion animal clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonke E M Hopman
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Marlies E J L Hulscher
- Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Haitske Graveland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - David C Speksnijder
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Jaap A Wagenaar
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands.
| | - Els M Broens
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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41
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Yates TD, Davis ME, Taylor YJ, Davidson L, Connor CD, Buehler K, Spencer MD. Not a magic pill: a qualitative exploration of provider perspectives on antibiotic prescribing in the outpatient setting. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2018; 19:96. [PMID: 29933762 PMCID: PMC6015451 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-018-0788-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics poses an urgent public health threat. Limited research has examined factors associated with antibiotic prescribing practices in outpatient settings. The goals of this study were to explore elements influencing provider decisions to prescribe antibiotics, identify provider recommendations for interventions to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use, and inform the clinical management of patients in the outpatient environment for infections that do not require antibiotics. METHODS This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with key informants. Seventeen outpatient providers (10 medical doctors and 7 advanced care practitioners) within a large healthcare system in Charlotte, North Carolina, participated. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes. RESULTS Primary barriers to reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing included patient education and expectations, system-level factors, and time constraints. Providers indicated they would be interested in having system-wide, evidence-based guidelines to inform their prescribing decisions and that they would also be receptive to efforts to improve their awareness of their own prescribing practices. Results further suggested that providers experience a high demand for antibiotic prescriptions; consequently, patient education around appropriate use would be beneficial. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that antibiotic prescribing in the outpatient setting is influenced by many pressures, including patient demand and patient satisfaction. Training on appropriate antibiotic prescribing, guideline-based decision support, feedback on prescribing practices, and patient education are recommended interventions to improve levels of appropriate prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Traci D Yates
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA.
| | - Marion E Davis
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Yhenneko J Taylor
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Lisa Davidson
- Division of Infectious Disease, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Crystal D Connor
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Katherine Buehler
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Melanie D Spencer
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
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42
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Antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory tract infections in primary care: an updated and expanded meta-ethnography. Br J Gen Pract 2018; 68:e633-e645. [PMID: 29914880 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp18x697889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing unnecessary prescribing remains a key priority for tackling the global rise of antibiotic-resistant infections. AIM The authors sought to update a 2011 qualitative synthesis of GPs' experiences of antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs), including their views of interventions aimed at more prudent prescribing. They expanded the original scope to encompass all primary care professionals (PCPs) who can prescribe or dispense antibiotics for ARTIs (for example, nurses and pharmacists). DESIGN AND SETTING Systematic review and meta-ethnography of qualitative studies. METHOD A systematic search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ASSIA, and Web of Science. No date or language restrictions were used. Identified studies were grouped according to their thematic focus (usual care versus intervention), and two separate syntheses were performed. RESULTS In all, 53 articles reporting the experiences of >1200 PCPs were included. Analysis of usual-care studies showed that PCPs tend to assume multiple roles in the context of ARTI consultations (the expert self, the benevolent self, the practical self), depending on the range of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and contextual situations in which they find themselves. Analysis of intervention studies identified four possible ways in which PCPs may experience quality improvement interventions (compromise, 'supportive aids', source of distress, and unnecessary). CONCLUSION Contrary to the original review, these results suggest that the use of the same intervention is experienced in a totally different way by different PCPs, and that the same elements that are perceived as benefits by some could be viewed as drawbacks by others. Acceptability of interventions is likely to increase if these are context sensitive and take into account PCPs' varying roles and changing priorities.
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Khine Zaw Y, Charoenboon N, Haenssgen MJ, Lubell Y. A Comparison of Patients' Local Conceptions of Illness and Medicines in the Context of C-Reactive Protein Biomarker Testing in Chiang Rai and Yangon. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:1661-1670. [PMID: 29633689 PMCID: PMC6086164 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is not solely a medical but also a social problem, influenced partly by patients' treatment-seeking behavior and their conceptions of illness and medicines. Situated within the context of a clinical trial of C-reactive protein (CRP) biomarker testing to reduce antibiotic over-prescription at the primary care level, our study explores and compares the narratives of 58 fever patients in Chiang Rai (Thailand) and Yangon (Myanmar). Our objectives are to 1) compare local conceptions of illness and medicines in relation to health-care seeking and antibiotic demand; and to 2) understand how these conceptions could influence CRP point-of-care testing (POCT) at the primary care level in low- and middle-income country settings. We thereby go beyond the current knowledge about antimicrobial resistance and CRP POCT, which consists primarily of clinical research and quantitative data. We find that CRP POCT in Chiang Rai and Yangon interacted with fever patients' preexisting conceptions of illness and medicines, their treatment-seeking behavior, and their health-care experiences, which has led to new interpretations of the test, potentially unforeseen exclusion patterns, implications for patients' self-assessed illness severity, and an increase in the status of the formal health-care facilities that provide the test. Although we expected that local conceptions of illness diverge from inbuilt assumptions of clinical interventions, we conclude that this mismatch can undermine the intervention and potentially reproduce problematic equity patterns among CRP POCT users and nonusers. As a partial solution, implementers may consider applying the test after clinical examination to validate rather than direct prescription processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzana Khine Zaw
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nutcha Charoenboon
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Marco J Haenssgen
- CABDyN Complexity Centre, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Green Templeton College, United Kingdom.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yoel Lubell
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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44
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Sustainable reduction of antibiotic-induced antimicrobial resistance (ARena) in German ambulatory care: study protocol of a cluster randomised trial. Implement Sci 2018; 13:23. [PMID: 29402306 PMCID: PMC5800289 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-018-0722-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite many initiatives to enhance the rational use of antibiotics, there remains substantial room for improvement. The overall aim of this study is to optimise the appropriate use of antibiotics in German ambulatory care in patients with acute non-complicated infections (respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis and otitis media), community-acquired pneumonia and non-complicated cystitis, in order to counter the advancing antimicrobial resistance development. Methods A three-armed cluster randomised trial will be conducted in 14 practice networks in two German federal states (Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia) and an added cohort that reflects standard care. The trial is accompanied by a process evaluation. Each arm will receive a different set of implementation strategies. Arm A receives a standard set, comprising of e-learning on communication with patients and quality circles with data-based feedback for physicians, information campaigns for the public, patient information material and performance-based additional reimbursement. Arm B receives this standard set plus e-learning on communication with patients and quality circles with data-based feedback tailored for non-physician health professionals of the practice team and information material for tablet computers (culture sensitive). Arm C receives the standard set as well as a computerised decision support system and quality circles in local multidisciplinary groups. The study aims to recruit 193 practices which will provide data on 23,934 patients each year (47,867 patients in total). The outcome evaluation is based on claims data and refers to established indicators of the European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption Network (ESAC-Net). Primary and secondary outcomes relate to prescribing of antibiotics, which will be analysed in multivariate regression models. The process evaluation is based on interviews with surveys among physicians, non-physician health professionals of the practice team and stakeholders. A patient survey is conducted in one of the study arms. Interview data will be qualitatively analysed using thematic framework analysis. Survey data of physicians, non-physician health professionals of the practice team and patients will use descriptive and exploratory statistics for analysis. Discussion The ARena trial will examine the effectiveness of large scale implementation strategies and explore their delivery in routine practice. Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN58150046. Registered 24 August 2017. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13012-018-0722-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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45
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Deckx L, Anthierens S, Magin PJ, Morgan S, McArthur L, Yardley L, Dallas A, Little P, van Driel ML. Focus on early-career GPs: qualitative evaluation of a multi-faceted educational intervention to improve antibiotic prescribing. Fam Pract 2018; 35:99-104. [PMID: 28985300 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmx074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We conducted an educational intervention emphasizing rational antibiotic prescribing in early-career General Practitioners (GP) in vocational training (trainees). The intervention consisted of an online introduction module, an online communication training module, face-to-face workshops, and cases to be discussed one-on-one by the trainee-supervisor dyad during regular scheduled education sessions. OBJECTIVES To explore the participants' experiences with the intervention. METHODS A qualitative study of 14 GP trainees and supervisors. Interviews followed a semi-structured interview guide, were transcribed and analysed using concurrent thematic analysis. RESULTS Overall, the intervention was well received. Resources were not often used in practice, but GP trainees used the information in communicating with patients. The intervention improved trainees' confidence and provided new communication strategies, e.g. explicitly asking about patients' expectations and talking patients through the examination to form an overall clinical picture. Trainees seemed eager to learn and adapt their practice, whereas GP supervisors rather commented that the intervention was reinforcing. None of the participants reported prescribing conflicts between trainee and supervisor. However, most participants identified conflicts within the GP practice or with specialists: other doctors who prescribe more antibiotics perpetuate patients' ideas that antibiotics will fix everything, which in turn causes conflict with the patient and undermines attempts to improve antibiotic prescribing. CONCLUSION The educational intervention was received positively. Early-career GPs thought it influenced their prescribing behaviour and improved their confidence in non-prescribing. Interventions that target teams (e.g. entire practice) could minimize conflict, ensure consistency of messages and support overall antibiotic stewardship in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Deckx
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of Primary Care and Interdisciplinary Care, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Parker J Magin
- GP Synergy NSW and ACT Research and Evaluation Unit, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Mayfield, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon Morgan
- Elermore Vale General Practice, Elermore Vale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lawrie McArthur
- Rural Clinical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lucy Yardley
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Anthea Dallas
- School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame Australia, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care & Population Sciences Academic Units, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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46
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Avent ML, Fejzic J, van Driel ML. An underutilised resource for Antimicrobial Stewardship: a 'snapshot' of the community pharmacists' role in delayed or 'wait and see' antibiotic prescribing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2018; 26:373-375. [PMID: 29318696 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Various strategies have been implemented in primary care to address the inappropriate use of antibiotics, with varying degrees of success. One such intervention is delayed or 'wait and see' prescribing, where the prescriber indicates to wait a few days before dispensing the antibiotic. The aim of this study was to explore community pharmacists' perceptions and practice experiences with delayed antibiotic prescribing. METHODS An online survey was advertised in two professional pharmacy organisations' e-newsletters for community and internship pharmacists in Queensland, Australia, from January to April 2016. KEY FINDINGS We received 120 responses. 103 (86%) worked in a community pharmacy. Sixty per cent of the respondents would not dispense the delayed antibiotic prescription if a patient presented to the pharmacy within 24 h of seeing a doctor. Instead, they would advise the patient to wait and fill the prescription if they are not improving. CONCLUSION The concept of delayed or a 'wait and see' antibiotic prescription was well received by the participating community pharmacists. These healthcare professionals are well placed to be effective stewards of antibiotics and can play an important role in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to optimise the quality use of antibiotics in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyon L Avent
- Statewide Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, Queensland Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,UQ Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jasmina Fejzic
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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47
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Colliers A, Coenen S, Philips H, Remmen R, Anthierens S. Optimising the quality of antibiotic prescribing in out-of-hours primary care in Belgium: a study protocol for an action research project. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e017522. [PMID: 29038184 PMCID: PMC5652575 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health threat driven by inappropriate antibiotic use, mainly in general practice and for respiratory tract infections. In Belgium, the quality of general practitioners' (GPs) antibiotic prescribing is low. To improve antibiotic use, we need a better understanding of this quality problem and corresponding interventions. A general practitioners cooperative (GPC) for out-of-hours (OOH) care presents a unique opportunity to reach a large group of GPs and work on quality improvement. Participatory action research (PAR) is a bottom-up approach that focuses on implementing change into daily practice and has the potential to empower practitioners to produce their own solutions to optimise their antibiotic prescribing. METHODS This PAR study to improve antibiotic prescribing quality in OOH care uses a mixed methods approach. In a first exploratory phase, we will develop a partnership with a GPC and map the existing barriers and opportunities. In a second phase, we will focus on facilitating change and implementing interventions through PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycles. In a third phase, antibiotic prescribing quality outside and antibiotic use during office hours will be evaluated. Equally important are the process evaluation and theory building on improving antibiotic prescribing. ETHICS The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Antwerp University Hospital/University of Antwerp. PAR unfolds in response to the needs and issues of the stakeholders, therefore new ethics approval will be obtained at each new stage of the research. DISSEMINATION Interventions to improve antibiotic prescribing are needed now more than ever and outcomes will be highly relevant for GPCs, GPs in daily practice, national policymakers and the international scientific community. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03082521; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Colliers
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA) – Centre for General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA) – Centre for General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine (ESOC), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hilde Philips
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA) – Centre for General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Roy Remmen
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA) – Centre for General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA) – Centre for General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
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48
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Howick J, Bossuyt PM, Cals JWL. Point of care testing in family practice: common myths debunked. Fam Pract 2017; 34:373-375. [PMID: 27543793 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmw082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Howick
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Patrick M Bossuyt
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jochen W L Cals
- Department of Family Medicine, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Clinical and social barriers to antimicrobial stewardship in pulmonary medicine: A qualitative study. Am J Infect Control 2017; 45:911-916. [PMID: 28385463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of pulmonary infections is one of the largest indications for antibiotics in human health care, offering significant potential for antibiotic optimization internationally. This study explores the perspectives of pulmonary clinicians on antibiotic use in hospital pulmonary infections. METHODS Twenty-eight pulmonary doctors and nurses from 2 hospitals participated in semi-structured interviews focusing on their experiences of antibiotic use. RESULTS Barriers to antibiotic optimization in pulmonary infections were identified. Clinical barriers are as follows. The first is differentiating pneumonia vs chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: differentiating pulmonary diagnoses was reported as challenging, leading to overtreatment. The second is differentiating viral vs bacterial: diagnostic differentiation was perceived to contribute to excess antibiotic use. The third is differentiating colonization vs pathogen: the interpretation of ambiguous results was reported to lead to under- or overprescribing depending on the perspective of the treating team. Social barriers are as follows. The first is the perception of resistance: antibiotic resistance was not perceived as an immediate threat. The second is the perceived value of antibiotic clinical guidelines: there was mistrust in antibiotic guidelines. The third is hospital hierarchies: hierarchical structures had a significant influence on prescribing. CONCLUSIONS Substantial barriers to antibiotic optimization in pulmonary infections were identified. To facilitate change in antibiotic use there must be a systematic understanding and interventions to address specific clinical issues. In the case of pulmonary medicine, significant identified issues, such as mistrust in clinical guidelines and diagnostic challenges, need to be addressed.
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50
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Chicoulaa B, Haas H, Viala J, Salvetat M, Olives JP. How French general practitioners manage and prevent recurrent respiratory tract infections in children: the SOURIRRE survey. Int J Gen Med 2017; 10:61-68. [PMID: 28293116 PMCID: PMC5345982 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s125806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) are the most common reason for children's visits to primary care physicians in France; however, little is known about general practitioners' (GPs) opinions and expectations concerning the management and prevention of these common and recurrent pathologies. PURPOSE To describe French GPs' daily practice in the management of respiratory infections and the prevention of their recurrence in children. METHODS A sample group of French GPs answered a structured questionnaire on risk factors, RRTI management, antibiotic use and prevention measures. RESULTS A total of 358 GPs participated in the survey. Rhinopharyngitis, the most frequent respiratory infection, was considered to be recurrent if six or more episodes occurred in a year. Four risk factors were acknowledged as substantial: living in communities, passive smoking, pollution and allergies. Around 63% of GPs said that RRTIs are too often treated with antibiotics. More than 85% thought that prevention of RRTIs is possible. Smoking cessation, vaccination, allergen avoidance and hygiene were identified as the main preventive measures. A large majority of GPs (84%) prescribed products for prevention and ~90% would prescribe a product stimulating immunity if the efficacy and tolerability of these agents was proven and confirmed in their daily practice. CONCLUSIONS French GPs are well aware of the health and socioeconomic burdens resulting from RRTIs, as well as the risk of antibiotic overuse. They have a prevention-oriented approach, implement preventive measures when possible and prescribe products for prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hervé Haas
- Paediatric Emergency and Infectious Disease Departments, Lenval University Hospital, Nice
| | - Jérôme Viala
- Gastroenterology Department, Robert-Debré Hospital, Paris
| | | | - Jean-Pierre Olives
- Gastroenterology and Nutrition Department, Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Toulouse, France
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