Reducing the length of antibiotic treatment for children with ear infections

RELAX: Reducing Length of Antibiotics For Children With Ear Infections

NIH-funded research Ihc Health Services, INC. · NIH-10929312

This study is looking at ways to help doctors give kids with ear infections shorter courses of antibiotics that work just as well, so they can feel better faster and have fewer side effects.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIhc Health Services, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Murray, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10929312 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to effectively reduce the duration of antibiotic treatment for children suffering from acute otitis media (ear infections). It aims to compare two different approaches to encourage healthcare providers to prescribe shorter antibiotic courses, which have been shown to be just as effective while minimizing side effects. The study will involve evaluating the effectiveness of clinician education and feedback interventions, as well as changes to electronic health records to promote adherence to recommended guidelines. By focusing on practical solutions, the research seeks to improve antibiotic prescribing practices in pediatric care.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 2 years and older who are diagnosed with acute otitis media.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 2 years old or those with severe cases of acute otitis media may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective antibiotic use in children, reducing unnecessary medication exposure and associated side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results in improving antibiotic prescribing practices through educational and feedback interventions, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Murray, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.