Effect of C-reactive Protein and Serum Amyloid A Point-of-care Testing on Antibiotic Prescribing for Acute Respiratory-tract Infections at Village Clinics in China

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the impact of C-reactive Protein (CRP) and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) point-of-care testing (POCT) on antibiotic prescribing for patients with acute respiratory-tract infections (ARI) at primary care facilities in rural China. This practical, cluster-randomized controlled trial aims to see if using CRP and SAA tests helps guide antibiotic use during initial patient visits. The study includes two groups: an intervention group where 20 village clinics will receive CRP and SAA POCT devices along with additional physician training and patient education materials, and a control group that will continue with usual care without these interventions. Physician training involves centralized sessions, manuals, and reminders to support the use of POCT. The control group will not receive any additional interventions. Participants diagnosed with ARIs and presenting with at least one respiratory symptom will be followed for six months. Researchers will measure how often antibiotics are prescribed during the initial visit and monitor other outcomes such as multiple antibiotic prescriptions, intravenous antibiotic use, use of Traditional Chinese Medicines, and costs of prescriptions and consultations. The trial includes careful documentation and comparison of these outcomes between the two groups to understand the impact of CRP and SAA POCT on antibiotic prescribing practices.

Effect of CRP and SAA Point-of-care Testing on Antibiotic Prescribing for Acute Respiratory-tract Infections