RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

A Long-term Observational Study Evaluating the Presentation and Management of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Primary Care Across Europe

This long-term study, called POS-ARI-PC, is observing how common breathing infections, like colds and flu, affect people across Europe. We're looking at adults and children who visit their doctor or other healthcare services for these illnesses. The main goal is to understand what kinds of symptoms people have, how their doctors treat them, and how they get better. This information will help us learn more about these infections, especially new ones that might appear. It will also help create a system for future studies on new treatments, ways to diagnose these illnesses, and how to prevent them in the community. It's about gathering important information to improve healthcare for everyone.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

European Clinical Research Alliance for Infectious Diseases (ECRAID)

Enrolment target

2,000

Start

22 Feb 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Acute Respiratory Tract Infection

What is this study about?

You know that feeling of having a 'chest infection' or a heavy cold – that's what we call an Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (ARI). They're really common and often why people visit their GP. This study, called POS-ARI-PC, is a big effort to simply observe and collect information about these kinds of infections right across Europe. We want to understand them better: what symptoms people get, how doctors decide what to do, and which treatments are used. It's like taking a snapshot of how these illnesses are handled in everyday healthcare settings.

One of the really important things about this study is that it helps us keep an eye on new types of infections that might emerge, like new flu strains or other viruses. By collecting this information regularly, we can spot trends and learn quickly. This helps us be ready if a new, more serious illness appears in the future. The study is also building a strong foundation, like a ready-made network, for future research. This means that if scientists want to test a new treatment or a new way to diagnose these infections, they'll have a ready system to do it efficiently.

Basically, the study is split into two parts: one simply collects anonymous information about many patients each year (the 'AUDIT' part). The other (the 'CORE' part) looks in a bit more detail at the symptoms, treatments, and how patients recover, gathering information that isn't anonymous. Both parts are vital for giving us a clearer picture of respiratory illnesses in our communities and helping doctors make the best decisions for their patients.

Key takeaways

The study looks at common breathing infections (like colds, flu, chest infections).
It helps doctors understand how these infections affect people and how they're treated.
No extra treatments or appointments are involved for participants.
Information from the study will help improve future healthcare for everyone.
Your personal information will be kept confidential and handled carefully.
You can choose to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for both adults and children who are seeing a healthcare professional, like your GP, for a breathing infection. Generally, this means you might have symptoms like a cough that's lasted less than 28 days, or a sore throat or runny nose for less than 14 days. It also includes people who might have symptoms of certain viruses like COVID-19, flu, or RSV.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've previously told your healthcare facility that you don't want your anonymous data used for research. Also, if the doctor feels you wouldn't be able to easily take part in the study, perhaps because of language barriers or other serious health issues, you wouldn't be included. If you need to go to hospital on the same day you're seen for your infection, you also wouldn't be able to join this study. Don't worry if this sounds complicated; your doctor will be able to tell you if you're a good fit.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you seeing a doctor for a cold, flu, sore throat, or similar breathing difficulty?
Have your symptoms for a cough lasted less than 28 days, or sore throat/runny nose less than 14 days?
Are you able to understand and provide permission for your information to be used?
Are you able to speak the local language or have someone to help you?
Are you currently not needing immediate hospital admission?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in the main 'CORE' part of the study, you'll be giving your permission for doctors to collect information about your symptoms, your diagnosis, the treatment you receive, and how you recover from your breathing infection. This information will follow you through your illness. There aren't any extra visits or appointments required beyond what your doctor would normally arrange for your care. You won't be given any new or experimental medications as part of this study; it's simply about observing the care you already receive. The study will continue to gather information on your recovery, potentially through follow-up discussions that are part of your usual care. The exact duration of your participation would depend on how long your doctor would typically monitor your illness.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't change the medical care you receive, so there are no direct medical risks or benefits to you personally. The main benefit is that the information collected from people like you will help doctors and researchers better understand common breathing infections, develop better treatments, and improve care for everyone in the future. Your involvement is mostly about sharing information, which will be handled carefully and privately. You are completely free to change your mind and withdraw your permission to share your information at any time, without affecting your medical care.

Locations (3)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Universiteit Antwerpen
Verified postcode
Antwerp, Belgium· Recruiting
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Limoges
Verified postcode
Limoges, France· Recruiting
University of Oxford
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of infections are you looking at?

We're looking at common breathing infections like colds, flu, chest infections, sore throats, and also specific viruses like COVID-19 and RSV.

Will I get special treatment if I join?

No, you'll receive the same care from your doctor as you would normally. This study just collects information about how your illness is managed.

Do I have to do anything extra?

No, there are no extra appointments or tests required. We're simply observing your symptoms and treatment as part of your usual care.

Is my personal information safe?

Yes, all information is handled very carefully to protect your privacy. One part of the study uses anonymous data, while the other collects data with your consent which is kept confidential.

Can I change my mind about taking part?

Yes, you can decide to stop taking part at any time without it affecting the medical care you receive.

How to find out more

Christopher Butler

christopher.butler@phc.ox.ac.uk +44 (0)1865 289670 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.