Families' views on antibiotic length and using a smartwatch to track children's symptoms
Official title: PATSy Perspectives on Antibiotics and Tracking Symptoms in Children - a Mixed Methods Feasibility Study
Run by Murdoch Childrens Research Institute · NCT07093749 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 4 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Melbourne, Victoria) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 16, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07093749 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Royal Children's Hospital
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: A/Prof Penelope Bryant
- Email: penelope.bryant@rch.org.au
- Phone: +61383416200
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.