Improving antibiotic prescriptions by junior doctors
Optimizing Antibiotics Prescription: A Stepped-Wedge Randomized Trial
NA · Penn State University · NCT06436690
This study is testing a new way to help junior doctors in Nepal write better antibiotic prescriptions to see if it can reduce antibiotic resistance and improve patient care.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Penn State University (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (University Park, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06436690 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to address antimicrobial resistance by implementing a behavioral intervention for junior physicians in Nepal. The intervention requires physicians to specify the diagnosis in prescription notes and provides feedback on their antibiotic prescribing practices. A stepped-wedge randomized control trial will be conducted across five hospitals, collecting data from approximately 3,600 patients before and after the intervention. The study will also examine the effects of the intervention across different genders and castes to inform potential scaling up.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who seek care at outpatient clinics in the participating hospitals.
Not a fit: Patients who are under 18 years of age or belong to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women or cognitively impaired adults may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions, thereby combating antimicrobial resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar behavioral interventions aimed at reducing antibiotic overprescription, indicating potential for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
For physicians: Inclusion criteria: * age 18+ * working at an outpatient clinic in one of the participating hospitals. Exclusion criteria: * \<18 years of age * working at more than one of the participating hospitals For patients: Inclusion criteria: * age 18+ * sought care at one of the outpatient clinics in the participating hospitals. Exclusion criteria: * \<18 years of age * one of the vulnerable populations (pregnant women, cognitively impaired adults)
Where this trial is running
University Park, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations
- Pennsylvania State University — University Park, Pennsylvania, United States (RECRUITING)
- Institute for Social and Environmental Research - Nepal — Bharatpur, Bagmati, Nepal (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yubraj Acharya, Ph.D.
- Email: yua36@psu.edu
- Phone: 7347573571
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.
Conditions: Antimicrobial Resistance