Point of Care C Reactive Protein Testing
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Impact of C-Reactive Protein Point of Care Testing in the Community Pharmacy on Antibiotic Prescribing.
IRAS ID
239804
Contact name
Michael Scott
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northern Heath and Social Care Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
The increasing use of antibiotics has contributed to the rise in infections with resistant organisms over the past decade. As 80% of antibiotic prescribing occurs in primary care, the use of diagnostic tests to identify bacterial infections should be aimed at this sector in order to decrease inappropriate antibiotic use. The C-Reactive Protein Point of Care (CRP-POC) test is the main diagnostic test used to determine whether a patient is suffering from a bacterial infection and as such requires treatment with antibiotics. Any adult patient presenting to their GP or the study community pharmacy with symptoms of a lower respiratory tract infection (shortness of breath, wheeze, chest pain, fever, sweating, headache, muscle pain, feeling generally unwell) will be eligible to take part in this study. This test involves undertaking a finger prick test where a drop of blood will then be analysed. Based on the CRP value the individual will either be referred back to the GP for antibiotic treatment or offered symptomatic relief through the community pharmacy. The study will be undertaken for a period of six months, during which time the numbers of antibiotic prescriptions issued by the GP and dispensed by the community pharmacy will be measured and compared to the same period in the previous year. In addition, for those individuals who have been referred for CRP testing by the GP, the number of times the GP changed their mind to prescribe antibiotics based on the CRP test result will be determined. All patients will be followed up for a period of up to 28 days to determine whether they recovered from their infection or received further antibiotic treatment. The change in the number of GP consultations for LRTIs over the study period compared to the same period in the previous year will also be assessed.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0207
Date of REC Opinion
22 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion