Actively Recruiting
Optimal Implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship in General Practice (OPTIMAS-GP) Study: A Hybrid Type 3 Implementation Trial
Led by University of Wollongong · Updated on 2026-05-12
120
Participants Needed
4
Research Sites
30 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating different ways to increase the use of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) resources by doctors treating adults with respiratory tract infections in Australian general practices. The study compares two methods of delivering AMS education and support: face-to-face activities (Integrated Network) versus virtual or online activities (Virtual Network). The goal is to see which approach leads to more frequent use of AMS interventions to guide antibiotic prescribing. Doctors in the trial receive about 7 hours of AMS education and support through either online self-paced modules, guided self-audits, and podcasts (Virtual Network), or live interactive webinars, peer-group audits, and online forums (Integrated Network). Participating doctors use an online AMS Toolbox when treating patients to record intervention use and antibiotic prescribing. A subgroup of doctors and patients also take part in interviews and use point-of-care tests to help identify the cause of infections. Participants provide data through online surveys, where doctors log their AMS intervention use and patient numbers, and patients report their experience of care. Interviews with selected doctors, staff, and patients explore their views on the interventions. The primary outcome is the change in AMS intervention use per 100 consultations over two 5-month winter periods, before and after the implementation activities. The study runs from baseline data collection, through the implementation phase, and into post-intervention follow-up.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Optimal Implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship in General Practice
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Practices located in New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, or Victoria
- At least two general practitioners per practice consent to participate
- At least one practice staff member consents to participate
- A staff member from the practice is available to provide 90 minutes of administrative support every two weeks
- Doctors working at participating practices at least three days per week
- Patients who consulted a participating GP for a respiratory tract infection
- Patients who re-consulted or were hospitalized for a respiratory tract infection
- Patients able to read and speak English for interview participation
- Patients completed patient surveys related to respiratory tract infection care
You will not qualify if you...
History of severe allergic reactions to study medication Currently pregnant or breastfeeding Recent participation in another clinical trial within the last 30 days Presence of uncontrolled medical conditions that could affect safety
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - Variable prior to baseline period
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Screening and enrollment visit
Duration - 5 months during winter
Participants' usual antimicrobial stewardship practices and patient outcomes are observed and recorded to establish baseline measures.
Fortnightly data collection visits for doctors; patient surveys completed online as applicable
Duration - Short-term period following baseline (exact duration not specified)
Participants engage in approximately 7 hours of antimicrobial stewardship education and activities delivered either through a Virtual Network or an Integrated Network depending on their assigned group.
Online self-paced modules and podcasts for Virtual Network arm; live interactive webinars and peer-group activities for Integrated Network arm
Duration - 5 months during the following winter
Participants continue to record antimicrobial stewardship intervention use and patient outcomes following implementation activities.
Fortnightly data collection visits for doctors; patient surveys completed online as applicable
Trial Site Locations
Total: 4 locations
1
University of Wollogongong
Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia, 2500
Actively Recruiting
2
Bond University
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, 4226
Actively Recruiting
3
University of Tasmania
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, 7005
Actively Recruiting
4
Monash University
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3800
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Colin H Cortie, PhD
A
Andrew Bonney, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Number of Arms
2
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