Improving Use of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Australian General Practice Comparing Virtual and Face-to-Face Training for Doctors Treating Respiratory Infections

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.

Optimal Implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship in General Practice