Reducing Overuse of Antibiotics with Decision Support

Launched by VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · Jan 16, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focusing on reducing the unnecessary use of antibiotics in children who have lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), like pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Many of these infections are caused by viruses, so giving antibiotics, which fight bacteria, isn't always helpful and can even lead to harmful side effects. The trial aims to test new decision support tools that will help doctors make better choices about when to prescribe antibiotics in emergency departments, where things can get busy and chaotic.

To be eligible for the trial, children aged between 6 months and 17 years who visit the emergency department for symptoms related to LRTIs, such as cough or difficulty breathing, may participate. Families can expect that their child will receive care as usual, but some may also experience the new decision support tools being tested. This research is taking place at three children’s hospitals across the U.S. and hopes to improve treatment practices that will ultimately lead to better health outcomes for kids.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. ED encounter or admission to an inpatient hospital team.
• • 2. EHR-based positive screen for suspected LRTI, defined as a qualifying chief complaint (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, etc.), plus triage documentation of abnormal respiratory effort and/or cough.
• • Exclusion Criteria: None