Exploring shared decision-making in antibiotic prescribing

Shared Decision-making and Antimicrobial Stewardship in Secondary Care: Exploring Opportunities Along the Start Smart Then Focus Patient Pathway

This study is trying to see how patients and doctors can work together to make better decisions about using antibiotics during hospital stays.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Truro, Cornwall and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06605820 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify opportunities for shared decision-making between patients and prescribers regarding antibiotic use in secondary care settings. It involves conducting semi-structured interviews with patients who have received antibiotics during their hospital stay and senior clinicians involved in prescribing decisions. The study will recruit participants from selected hospitals and aims to conduct up to 50 interviews to gather qualitative insights on the decision-making process. The findings may help improve communication and decision-making related to antibiotic prescribing.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients aged 16 and above who have received antibiotics for suspected or confirmed bacterial infections during their inpatient stay.

Not a fit: Patients who received antibiotics solely for prophylactic purposes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance patient involvement in antibiotic prescribing decisions, leading to more personalized and effective treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in improving patient-clinician communication in healthcare settings, suggesting potential for positive outcomes in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

For clinicians:

* Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
* Senior registrar or consultant medical or surgical doctor working at participating hospitals and caring for inpatients.
* Fluent in English.

For patients:

* Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
* Male or Female, aged 16 years or above (no upper age limit).
* Good standard of speaking English and able to read and understand study materials.
* Received antibiotic for treatment of suspected or confirmed bacterial infection during inpatient stay.

Exclusion Criteria:

* For clinicians:

  * Prescribers not currently caring for inpatients

For patients:

• Patient who received prophylaxis antibiotics only

Where this trial is running

Truro, Cornwall and 1 other locations

• Royal Cornwall Hospital — Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)
• Chelsea and Westminster Hospital — Truro, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Verity Teague

Conditions: Antibiotic Prescribing is the Study Focus