CompletedNot Applicable

Dissemination and Implementation of a Videoconference Antimicrobial Stewardship Team

United States8 participantsStarted 2022-03-28

Plain-language summary

Antimicrobial-resistant and healthcare-associated pathogens are a global health threat. The goals of antimicrobial stewardship are to minimize unnecessary and inappropriate antimicrobial use as a means to combat antimicrobial resistance. Previously, the investigators implemented a Videoconference Antimicrobial Stewardship Team (VAST) at 2 VA Medical Centers (VAMCs), using telehealth to connect clinicians at a rural VAMC to a geographically distant infectious disease expert Both VASTs successfully decreased overall antibiotic use in acute and long-term care units. This project will expand the VAST approach to other VAMCs and test the hypothesis that quarterly reports that quantify facility-level antibiotic use will enhance the efficacy of VASTs to support antimicrobial stewardship. This work will directly increase access to antimicrobial stewardship consultation at rural VA facilities, which are often underserved by infectious disease expertise.

Who can participate

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: * VA medical centers without local ID expertise that pair with an ID-expert from another VA medical center. Exclusion Criteria: * (none)

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

Days of Antibiotic Therapy Per 1000 Days of Care

Timeframe: The study period was 15 months following each the first meeting held by each VAST. The first 3 months were considered a wash-in period. Data analysis focused on the subsequent 12 month period.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05319561

SponsorVA Office of Research and Development

Sponsor typeFED

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-03-31

Results submitted2026-03-04

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Common Infections trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

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: * VA medical centers without local ID expertise that pair with an ID-expert from another VA medical center. Exclusion Criteria: * (none)