Assessing sore throat management and antibiotic use
Best Assessment of Sore Throat and Antibiotic Prescribing
This study tests if having nurses and pharmacists help manage sore throat patients can reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and see how common COVID-19 is among those with sore throat symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 450 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Vastra Gotaland Region Government |
| Locations | 4 sites (Stenungsund and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06114706 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project investigates whether changing the patient flow from medical practitioners to nurses and pharmacists can reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for sore throat patients. It compares the effectiveness of assessments made by physicians, nurses, and pharmacists in managing sore throat cases. The study also aims to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in patients presenting with sore throat symptoms. By adhering to Swedish guidelines, the study seeks to optimize patient care while minimizing antibiotic misuse.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 6 years and older who present with a sore throat as their main complaint and are fluent in Swedish.
Not a fit: Patients with potentially complicated illnesses or those who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more appropriate management of sore throat cases and reduced antibiotic prescriptions, benefiting public health.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in optimizing antibiotic prescribing practices through similar organizational changes in patient management.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The patient is contacting/attending PHC centre or Pharmacy presenting with a sore throat as the main complaint. * Male or female, aged ≥6 years. * Fluent in Swedish (reading, writing, conversational) (applicable to caregivers/parents/guardians in case of children). * Mental state such that he or she can understand and give informed consent to participation in the study by signing the Information and Consent Form. * Provision of signed and dated Informed Consent Form. Exclusion Criteria: * The illness episode is classified as potentially complicated or potentially critically ill * Presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in a patient first appearing at the PHC in a cluster where the assessment is supposed to be done by the pharmacists. The patient will not be sent to the pharmacist in case of presence of SARS-CoV-2-virus. * Patient request to be withdrawn from the study.
Where this trial is running
Stenungsund and 3 other locations
- Apoteket — Stenungsund, Sweden (Recruiting)
- Närhälsan Stenungsund Vårdcentral — Stenungsund, Sweden (Recruiting)
- Praktikertjänst Hälsobrunnen Vårdcentral — Ulricehamn, Sweden (Recruiting)
- Apoteksgruppen — Ulricehamn, Sweden (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ronny Gunnarsson, PhD — University of Gothenburg and Region Vastra Gotaland
- Study coordinator: Carl Wikberg, PhD
- Email: carl.wikberg@allmed.gu.se
- Phone: +46703821660
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.