Extrait

Background and study aims There have been concerns about the level of prescribing of antimicrobials (antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral medicines) in care homes for older people. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of England has highlighted that high use of antimicrobials can lead to resistance, meaning that these drugs may no longer be effective. The CMO’s report also suggested that older people, especially those living in care homes, may be at higher risk of infection. The report noted that education and training of doctors and nurses about infections and antimicrobials was very important to ensure that antimicrobials are used properly. A Canadian study found that education and training was useful in reducing the use of antimicrobials in Canadian care homes. We have based our study on this work. Who can participate? We will recruit 6 care homes to the study: 3 in Northern Ireland and 3 in the West Midlands. What does the study involve? Using the most up-to-date scientific research on how to manage infections in care home residents, we are developing training material and a training programme for care home staff and general practitioners (GPs). The Canadian approach is discussed with staff, GPs and family members of residents, and adapted for use in the UK. Care home staff and GPs are trained in using this new approach. The new approach is then tested in the 6 care homes to ensure that it is practical and feasible. Members of the research team interview the staff and GPs to explore how they found the new approach, if they had any particular difficulties, and if they have any suggestions for improvements. We also test how we will collect information about residents from care homes, community pharmacies and large databases. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? For care home staff and GPs who take part in this study, the possible benefits are greater knowledge of infections in care home residents and contributing to a possible new way of improving prescribing of antimicrobials. The possible risk is the time spent undertaking training and recording activities during the study. However, we would hope that this will be out-weighed by the possible benefits. Where is the study run from? Queen's University Belfast (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? April 2016 to January 2018 Who is funding the study? National Institute for Health Research (UK) Who is the main contact? Prof. Carmel Hughes

Critère d'inclusion

• Infections in care home residents and antimicrobial prescribing

Liens

• ictrp
• isrctn