Shared Decision-making and Antimicrobial Stewardship in Secondary Care
This study aims to understand how patients and doctors in hospitals discuss and decide on antibiotic treatments. We want to find better ways for them to share decisions, ensuring antibiotics are prescribed thoughtfully. This is important because using antibiotics correctly helps prevent bugs from becoming resistant, meaning the medicines continue to work when we really need them. By talking to both patients who have recently had antibiotics and the doctors who prescribe them, we hope to find opportunities to improve this process. Your experiences could help us make healthcare better for everyone.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you're in hospital, and the doctor thinks you might need antibiotics. This study is all about improving the conversations between you and your doctor when it comes to these important medicines. We want to understand how you and your doctor talk about antibiotics and how decisions are made together. This is called 'shared decision-making'.
Sometimes, antibiotics are given for infections, but using them too much or for the wrong reasons can lead to bacteria becoming 'resistant'. This means the antibiotics might stop working when people really need them. This study aims to find ways for doctors and patients to work together to make sure antibiotics are used wisely, which is called 'antimicrobial stewardship'.
By listening to both patients and doctors, we hope to find out what works well and what could be better. Your experience and opinions could really help us make improvements, ensuring antibiotics are managed in the best way for your health and for the health of others in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study explores how patients and doctors make decisions about antibiotics.
- It aims to improve communication and wise use of antibiotics in hospitals.
- Participation involves a single, confidential interview about your experiences.
- Your input helps ensure antibiotics remain effective for future patients.
- There are no medical procedures or follow-up involved.
Who may be eligible?
We are looking for two main groups of people to take part in this study: patients and doctors.
For patients, you can join if you are 16 years old or older and have recently had antibiotics during a stay in hospital for a suspected or confirmed infection. You also need to be able to speak and understand English well enough to talk about your experiences and understand the study information. We can't include patients who only received antibiotics as a preventative measure.
For doctors, we are looking for senior registrars or consultants who work in the participating hospitals and regularly care for patients staying on wards. Like patients, doctors need to be able to speak English fluently. Everyone who takes part must be willing to give their clear permission to be involved.
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 16 years old or older?
- Did you receive antibiotics during a recent hospital stay for an infection?
- Can you speak and understand English well enough for a conversation?
- Are you willing to share your experiences in an interview?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, your involvement would be very simple. We would ask you to have a chat with one of our researchers in what's called a 'semi-structured interview'. This is like a guided conversation where we'll ask you about your experiences and thoughts on antibiotics and how decisions were made during your hospital stay.
There are no medications or special health assessments involved for this study. The interview would likely take place at a convenient time and last for a short period. There is no long-term follow-up required after the interview. This is a one-off conversation to gather your valuable insights.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Royal Cornwall HospitalVerified postcodeTruro, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Chelsea and Westminster HospitalVerified postcodeTruro, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What exactly are 'shared decisions' about antibiotics?
It's about you and your doctor talking together about your treatment options, understanding why antibiotics might be needed, and agreeing on the best plan for you.
Why is it important to use antibiotics wisely?
Using antibiotics carefully helps stop bacteria from becoming resistant to the medicine, so they continue to work when people really need them for serious infections.
Will my privacy be protected if I take part?
Yes, everything you say will be kept confidential, and your name won't be linked to your answers in any reports or publications.
Do I have to do anything special to prepare for the interview?
No, you don't need to do anything special. Just come ready to share your experiences and thoughts about receiving antibiotics in hospital.
What will happen to the information collected?
The information will help researchers understand how to improve communication around antibiotics and will be used to guide better practices in hospitals.
How to find out more
Verity Teague
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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