Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), considered one of the greatest global threats by the WHO, justifies the development of initiatives to promote appropriate antibiotic use-especially in primary care, where most antibiotics in France are prescribed and where misuse remains common. We are proposing a cluster-randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a bimodal intervention combining: (1) improved communication about the circulation of respiratory viruses, and (2) strengthened collaborative practices between general practitioners and pharmacists through a multidisciplinary protocol aimed at verifying that prescribed treatment durations comply with guidelines. The study will include six primary care practices (24 physicians), with three practices in each study arm. The aim of this project is to assess whether the bimodal intervention can reduce the duration of antibiotic treatments for upper and lower respiratory tract infections. The first component (a "viral infection prescription" tool) focuses on reducing unnecessary treatment initiation, while the second (pharmacist-led review) aims to shorten excessive prescription durations.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
4,500
If necessary, the general practitioner prescribes antibiotics to patients consulting for an upper or lower respiratory tract infection, according to the guidelines.
CHU CAEN Normandie
Caen, France
RECRUITINGNumber of antibiotic treatment days prescribed for upper and lower respiratory tract infections.
The primary outcome of the study will be the number of antibiotic treatment days prescribed for upper and lower respiratory tract infections. This outcome is a composite measure reflecting the impact of both interventions. Antibiotic duration will be assessed by running a query in the electronic medical record system of the participating primary care practices. The primary outcome will be evaluated at the baseline.
Time frame: The primary outcome is measured at the time of prescription (i.e. at the baseline)
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