The effect of implementing C-reactive protein point-of-care testing for respiratory tract infections on antibiotic prescribing: a mixed methods study in out-of-hours primary care.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic consumption in Belgium is one of the highest in Europe. Infections are the number one reason to consult in out-of-hours (OOH) primary care, and subsequently antibiotics are one of the most prescribed medications. C-reactive protein point-of-care testing with acute respiratory infections could help general practitioners (GPs) to reduce antibiotic prescribing in OOH care and is currently used in different European countries in this setting. The implementation of CRP POCT in Belgian OOH care has not been studied before.RESEARCH QUESTION: Does the implementation of (CRP POCT) in Belgian OOH care reduce antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and is implementation feasible and acceptable for GPs and patients?OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects on antibiotic prescribing for acute RTI and to assess the feasibility and acceptability when implementing CRP POCT in Belgian OOH primary care.METHOD: Antibiotic prescribing quality at the level of a General Practitioners Cooperative (GPC) will be assessed before the start of the implementation of CRP POCT using antibiotic prescribing quality indicators and will be compared with other GPCs. This will be used during PDSA (plan-do-study-act) cycle(s) as a quantitative indicator of antibiotic prescribing quality improvement. Alongside a qualitative interview study with GPs and patients on the acceptability and feasibility of implementing CRP POCT in OOH primary care will be performed.

Keywords:POINT-OF-CARE TESTING, OUT-OF-HOURS CARE, FAMILY MEDICINE, RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS

Disciplines:Respiratory medicine not elsewhere classified, Social medical sciences not elsewhere classified, Diagnostics not elsewhere classified