CompletedNot Applicable

Digital Online Consultations - Effects on Antibiotic Prescribing and Health Care Utilization in Primary Care

Sweden4,057 participantsStarted 2018-03-30

Plain-language summary

BACKGROUND/SIGNIFICANCE: With developments in mobile health and the abundance of smartphones, online consultations have emerged as a popular form of primary care in Sweden. Controversy exists regarding diagnostic accuracy, appropriate prescription of antibiotics, and effects on care-seeking patient behavior following implementation of online consultations. As empirical research is lacking, the investigators seek to evaluate online primary care consultations compared to physical consultations with regards to non-inferiority of antibiotic prescription for chief complaint of sore throat. METHODS: Medical record data is used to identify patients with a chief complaint of sore throat, cough/common cold/influenza, or dysuria after choosing online (DIGI) or physical (PHYSI) consultations. A cohort of patients with similar chief complaints prior to implementation of online consultations was used as a control group (CONTROL). Prospective data from local registries and medical records was gathered 14 days the consultation. The primary outcome was rate of antibiotic prescription after sore throat. Secondary outcomes included patient revisits (including hospital admissions), patient satisfaction, time to physician contact, registered diagnosis, and documentation or Centor Criteria and Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)-Criteria. SIGNIFICANCE: Results will shed light on whether antibiotic prescription differs significantly between digital and physical primary care consultations. Hypotheses may also be generated as to how patients seek care in light of improved availability in a tax-sponsored healthcare system.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patient seeking care at primary healthcare provider (Capio in Skåne or Capio Go) * Patient who according to medical record presents with sore throat, cough/common cold/influenza, or dysuria Exclusion Criteria: * Patient who according to medical record presents with main symptom other than sore throat, cough/common cold/influenza, or dysuria. * Patient under the age of 18.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Antibiotics Prescription After Sore Throat

Timeframe: 24 hours

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03474887

SponsorRegion Skane

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2019-12-06

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Sore Throat trials