ePAMS_WP1

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Development and evaluation of a complex ePrescribing-based Antimicrobial Stewardship (ePAMS+) intervention for hospitals

  • IRAS ID

    259104

  • Contact name

    Robin Williams

  • Contact email

    Robin.Williams@ed.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Edinburgh

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 10 months, 27 days

  • Research summary

    This application is for the programme WP1 work only.
    This research will examine how hospital electronic prescribing (ePrescribing) systems (software) can be used to
    support new ways of working designed to safely reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. The programme,
    ePrescribing-based Antimicrobial Stewardship (ePAMS+), will begin by an update of our existing knowledge of strategies for changing antibiotic prescribing and other similar hospital practices. Then we will carry out qualitative research (interviews and focus groups) with intended users of ePAMS+, sampling a diversity sample of relevant professionals, including junior and senior doctors from a range of wards and specialties, nurses, pharmacists, IT staff, managers, vendor representatives. We will then sample a similar range of staff from two hospitals that will not take part in the trial. This work will help us assess existing organisational policies, measures and hospital culture surrounding antibiotic practice, as well as explore how the intervention may need to be adapted for a range of contexts.
    We anticipate to initially establish contact with potential staff participants through the Chief Executive or the Director of Pharmacy at Trust level. Staff participants may be involved in focus groups, interviews, and/or observations. Potential patient participants will be identified by members of the direct care team. Patients may participate in focus groups or interviews.
    This research is funded by the Programme Grant for Applied Research Programme of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

  • REC name

    North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2

  • REC reference

    19/NS/0174

  • Date of REC Opinion

    18 Nov 2019

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion