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Antibiotic Prescription in Children Hospitalized for Community-acquired Pneumonia

This study is observing how often children who are in hospital with pneumonia are given antibiotics. Doctors at Filderklinik and Herdecke Community Hospital have a history of not using antibiotics unless they are really needed, and this study will look at their current approach. Researchers want to understand the reasons big why doctors decide whether a child needs antibiotics or not. They will also keep an eye on how severe the illness is and any problems that occur, both in children who get antibiotics and those who don't. An important part of the study is finding out how parents feel about the treatment decisions. After children leave the hospital, parents will be contacted to see if the child had to come back to the hospital or got ill again.

At a glance

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
ARCIM Institute Academic Research in Complementary and Integrative Medicine
Enrolment target
200
Start
16 Sep 2022
Estimated completion
01 Dec 2025

What is this study about?

When children get pneumonia, sometimes they need to go into hospital. Doctors usually decide if the child needs antibiotics for this. This study is looking closely at how doctors in two hospitals, Filderklinik and Herdecke Community Hospital, make these decisions. These hospitals are known for being careful with how they use antibiotics.

The main goal is to understand how often children admitted with pneumonia are given antibiotics. The study also wants to find out what factors doctors consider when deciding whether or not to give antibiotics. This includes looking at how serious the child's illness is and if they have any complications, whether they receive antibiotics or not. A really important part of this research is understanding how parents feel about the type of treatment their child receives.

After a child has left the hospital, their parents will be contacted again at least four weeks later. This is to check if the child has needed to come back to the hospital or has had pneumonia again. By looking at all this information, researchers hope to learn more about the best ways to treat children with pneumonia and make sure they get the right care, while also considering the parents' views.

Key takeaways

  • The study watches how antibiotics are used for children with pneumonia in hospital.
  • It aims to understand why doctors prescribe antibiotics or choose not to.
  • Parental satisfaction with treatment decisions is an important part of the research.
  • Your child's medical treatment will not be changed by taking part in this study.
  • Follow-up contact will happen a few weeks after your child leaves the hospital.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, children need to be admitted to the children's department at either Filderklinik or Herdecke Community Hospital. They must be diagnosed with pneumonia either when they arrive at the hospital or within two days of being admitted.

Parents or guardians need to be able to give their clear permission in writing for their child to take part in the study. All of these points must be met.

Children cannot take part if their parents don't speak enough German to understand the study information and fill out questionnaires. This is to make sure everyone fully understands what is 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.

  1. Is your child between 3 months and 18 years old?
  2. Is your child admitted to Filderklinik or Herdecke Community Hospital?
  3. Has your child been diagnosed with pneumonia?
  4. Are you able to provide written consent in German?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part in this study, doctors will observe their treatment decisions as they would normally. This means they will be treated according to the hospital's usual procedures for children with pneumonia. You won't have extra visits just for the study. Researchers will simply keep records of whether your child receives antibiotics, how serious their illness is, and if there are any medical complications.

A key part of your involvement will be sharing your thoughts. You will be asked questions about how satisfied you are with the care and decisions made for your child while in hospital. After your child has left the hospital, you'll be contacted at least four weeks later. This follow-up contact will be to ask if your child has had a recurrence of pneumonia or needed to be admitted to hospital again. The total duration of your participation will involve the hospital stay and this single follow-up contact after discharge.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study does not involve any changes to your child's medical care; they will receive treatment as usual. There are no direct medical benefits for your child from participating, but the information gathered could help improve care for children with pneumonia in the future. There are no additional risks beyond those normally associated with hospital treatment for pneumonia. You are free to withdraw your child from the study at any time without it affecting their medical care.

Locations (2)

  • Die Filderklinik
    Verified postcode
    Filderstadt, Germany· Recruiting
  • Herdecke Community Hospital
    Verified postcode
    Herdecke, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to see how often children in hospital for pneumonia get antibiotics and why doctors make those decisions.

Will my child get different treatment if they are in the study?

No, your child will receive the same care they would normally get at the hospital for pneumonia. The study is only observing.

How long does participation last?

Participation involves your child's hospital stay and a phone call or contact at least four weeks after they leave the hospital.

Will my opinions matter?

Yes, your satisfaction as a parent regarding the treatment decisions is an important part of what the study wants to understand.

What age children can participate?

Children between 3 months and 18 years old can participate, if they meet other requirements.

How to find out more

Jan Vagedes, Dr

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

Interested in taking part?

Register your interest

Share your details and the research team for "Antibiotic Prescription in Children Hospitalized for Communi…" will contact you if you may be eligible. Always speak to your GP before agreeing to take part.

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