Using CRP Testing to Reduce Antibiotic Prescriptions for Respiratory Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Kavanagh Kim E, O'Shea Eamonn, Halloran Rita, Cantillon Peter, Murphy Andrew W
Primary Institution: Discipline of General Practice, National University of Ireland Galway
Hypothesis
Can near-patient C-Reactive Protein testing reduce antibiotic prescribing in adult respiratory tract infections?
Conclusion
The study suggests that CRP testing may help reduce antibiotic prescriptions while maintaining high patient satisfaction.
Supporting Evidence
- 58% of patients in the no-test group received antibiotics compared to 45% in the test group.
- Patient satisfaction was high in both groups at 85%.
- Re-attendance rates were higher in the CRP test group.
Takeaway
Doctors tested patients for a substance called CRP to see if it could help them decide when to give antibiotics for coughs and sore throats. It looks like using this test can help doctors give fewer antibiotics without making patients unhappy.
Methodology
A pilot study with a cross-sectional design involving 120 patients over five months, comparing two groups: one with CRP testing and one without.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in patient selection due to the consecutive sampling method.
Limitations
The study was limited by its small size and short duration, conducted in one practice during one season.
Participant Demographics
Participants were adults over 18 years with acute cough and/or sore throat, with a mix of private and GMS patients.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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