Reducing unnecessary antibiotic use in children with respiratory infections
Official title: Reducing Overuse of Antibiotics With Decision Support in Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Run by Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT06788093 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether using a new support system in hospitals can help reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for kids with respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Months to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 2800 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Oakland, California and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 12, 2024 |
| Main results expected | April 2027 |
| Study ends | April 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06788093 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are children presenting with symptoms of lower respiratory tract infections who are either seen in the emergency department or admitted to the hospital.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not present with respiratory symptoms or those who are discharged from the hospital without admission will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to eliminate inappropriate antibiotic use in pediatric lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) by implementing hospital-based clinical decision support systems (CDS) in emergency departments and during hospital transitions. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions compared to usual care at three U.S. children's hospitals. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the CDS interventions or standard care, with the goal of reducing antibiotic prescriptions and improving clinical outcomes for children with conditions like pneumonia and bronchiolitis. The trial will also assess the implementation and process outcomes throughout the study period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in children, minimizing adverse effects and combating antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that hospital-based antimicrobial stewardship programs can effectively reduce inappropriate antibiotic use, suggesting that this approach may also be successful.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. ED encounter or admission to an inpatient hospital team. 2. EHR-based positive screen for suspected LRTI, defined as a qualifying chief complaint (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, etc.), plus triage documentation of abnormal respiratory effort and/or cough. Exclusion Criteria: None
Where it's running
-
Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
Nashville, Tennessee, United States Recruiting -
Benioff Children's Hospital - Oakland
Oakland, California, United States Not yet recruiting -
Benioff Children's Hospital - San Francisco
San Francisco, California, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Derek J Williams, MD, MPH — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Justine Stassun, MS
- Email: justine.c.stassun@vumc.org
- Phone: 615-936-7276
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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.