Shortening antibiotic courses for common throat and chest infections in primary care with doctor–pharmacist teamwork and viral‑circulation updates

Impact of a Multimodal Intervention on Antibiotic Prescribing for Respiratory Infections in Primary Care: A Cluster-Randomized Trial

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Caen · NCT07359287

This project will test whether giving primary care doctors and pharmacists extra information about circulating viruses plus a shared protocol helps shorten antibiotic courses for patients with common respiratory infections.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment4500 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Caen Academic / other
Locations1 site (Caen)
Trial IDNCT07359287 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a cluster-randomized trial conducted in six primary care practices (24 physicians) affiliated with CHU Caen Normandie, with three practices randomized to a bimodal intervention and three to usual care. The intervention combines regular communication about the circulation of respiratory viruses and a multidisciplinary GP–pharmacist protocol to verify that prescribed antibiotic durations follow guidelines. The primary aim is to see if this package reduces the duration of antibiotic treatments for upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Eligible encounters include a wide range of acute respiratory diagnoses, and patients under legal protection are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Patients seen in participating primary care practices for upper or lower respiratory infections (for example angina, acute bronchitis, bronchiolitis, AECOPD, laryngitis, otitis, sinusitis, or community‑acquired pneumonia) are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients under legal protection are excluded, and individuals with complicated infections requiring individualized longer antibiotic courses are less likely to benefit from standardized shorter durations.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce unnecessary antibiotic exposure and its side effects while helping slow antimicrobial resistance.

How similar studies have performed: Previous antimicrobial stewardship and GP–pharmacist collaboration programs have shown reductions in antibiotic use, so this combines established strategies into a novel two‑part intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- Patient seen in consultation for an upper or lower respiratory tract infection (Angina, Acute bronchiolitis, Acute bronchitis, COPD exacerbation (AECOPD), Laryngitis, Acute otitis media (AOM), Serous or congestive otitis, Viral respiratory infection (e.g., influenza), Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), Rhinitis / Nasopharyngitis, Acute sinusitis)

Exclusion Criteria:

\- Patient under legal protection

Where this trial is running

Caen

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions AnginaAcute BronchiolitisAcute BronchitisCOPD ExacerbationLaryngitisAcute Otitis MediaSerous or Congestive OtitisViral Respiratory Infection
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.