Families' views on antibiotic length and using a smartwatch to track children's symptoms
PATSy Perspectives on Antibiotics and Tracking Symptoms in Children - a Mixed Methods Feasibility Study
We will see if families are comfortable with shorter antibiotic courses and if a Garmin smartwatch can help track symptoms in children aged 4–17 with uncomplicated infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 4 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Melbourne, Victoria) |
| Trial ID | NCT07093749 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This mainly observational project will recruit children (4–17 years) who present to the Royal Children's Hospital ED with uncomplicated bacterial infections and are prescribed oral antibiotics. Parents/guardians will be asked about decision-making and acceptability of shorter antibiotic courses and will provide feedback on study procedures and questionnaires. A small subgroup will wear a Garmin smartwatch that collects heart rate, temperature, sleep and activity data, which will be compared with parent-reported symptoms collected through the WeGuide platform. No antibiotics will be stopped early as part of this study; the work is to test feasibility and acceptability ahead of a future trial.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 4–17 who present to the Royal Children's Hospital ED with uncomplicated infections and are prescribed oral antibiotics, with a parent/guardian who can provide signed informed consent and speak English.
Not a fit: Children with complicated infections, those not prescribed oral antibiotics, or families who do not speak English (and thus are excluded) are unlikely to benefit from this feasibility work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could support shorter antibiotic courses and better symptom monitoring using wearable data, reducing unnecessary antibiotic exposure and improving follow-up.
How similar studies have performed: Short-course antibiotic regimens and wearable monitoring have shown promise in other settings, but combining parental decision-making feedback with smartwatch symptom tracking in children is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of ≥ 4 years and ≤ 17 years at enrolment. * Diagnosed with any of the following at RCH ED: urinary tract infection (UTI), cellulitis, impetigo, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, respiratory tract infections, otitis media. * Prescribed oral antibiotics (either immediately or as switch from IV antibiotics after transfer to HITH) as standard of care due to having uncomplicated infection as deemed by their treating doctor. * Parent/guardian provides a signed and dated informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: \- Parent/guardian does not speak English
Where this trial is running
Melbourne, Victoria
- Royal Children's Hospital — Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: A/Prof Penelope Bryant
- Email: penelope.bryant@rch.org.au
- Phone: +61383416200
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.