Improving how patients use antibiotics in outpatient care

Patient-Centered Stewardship to Improve Antibiotic Use in Ambulatory Care

['FUNDING_R01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY AT CHICAGO · NIH-10928220

This study is looking to help people who often misuse antibiotics by talking to them and finding out why they do it, so we can come up with better ways to encourage smarter use of these medications and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY AT CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10928220 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research aims to tackle the issue of antibiotic overuse, which can lead to adverse effects and antibiotic resistance. By focusing on patient-centered stewardship, the project will engage directly with patients who frequently misuse antibiotics, using behavioral nudges and communication strategies. The research will include controlled cohort studies and qualitative interviews to understand the factors influencing patients' antibiotic use. Ultimately, the goal is to develop effective interventions that can be implemented outside of clinical visits to improve antibiotic prescribing practices.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who frequently use antibiotics inappropriately, including both adults and children.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use antibiotics or those who use them appropriately may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer antibiotic use among patients, reducing the risk of adverse effects and antibiotic resistance.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown some success in improving antibiotic prescribing through clinician-focused interventions, but this approach is novel in its direct engagement with patients.

Where this research is happening

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.