RecruitingNot ApplicableInterventional

Point of care testing to inform care for chest infections in older adults in primary care: a randomised feasibility study

This study aims to help doctors treat chest infections in older adults more effectively. Often, chest infections are caused by viruses, meaning antibiotics won't work, yet they are frequently prescribed. Taking antibiotics when not needed can lead to side effects and antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat. Researchers are testing quick, 'point-of-care' tests that can be used during your GP appointment. These tests could help your doctor decide if antibiotics are truly necessary. This is a small initial study to see if a larger one would be possible, with the goal of improving care and reducing unnecessary antibiotic use for chest infections in older adults.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Not Applicable

Sponsor

University of Southampton

Enrolment target

180

Start

04 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2026

Respiratory tract infections, antibiotic resistance

What is this study about?

Many older people visit their GP with chest infections that feel similar to the flu. These infections are often caused by viruses, but antibiotics only work against bacteria. It can be difficult for doctors to tell if an infection is bacterial or viral just by looking at symptoms. Because of this, antibiotics are often prescribed, especially for older adults, just in case.

However, taking antibiotics when they are not needed can cause unwanted side effects like feeling sick or having an upset tummy. It also contributes to something called 'antibiotic resistance'. This means that bacteria can learn to fight off antibiotics, making these important medicines less effective or even useless for future infections. This study wants to find a better way to check if antibiotics are really needed, to protect both your health and the future effectiveness of antibiotics.

To do this, the study is testing quick and easy tests performed right there in your GP surgery. These 'point-of-care' tests could give your doctor fast information to help them decide the best way to treat your chest infection. This is a small, early study designed to understand if it's practical to do a bigger study in the future, which could ultimately change how chest infections are managed for older people across the country.

Key takeaways

This study helps doctors decide if antibiotics are needed for older adults with chest infections.
It uses quick tests during GP appointments to get fast results.
Avoiding unnecessary antibiotics can reduce side effects and fight antibiotic resistance.
Participation involves simple tests like a swab and a finger-prick blood test.
The study is for people aged 65 and over with recent chest infection symptoms.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join this study if you are 65 years old or older and have recently started feeling unwell with a chest infection. This means you should have had a cough for less than a week, along with other symptoms like breathlessness, producing phlegm, or chest pain.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if your doctor thinks you have pneumonia, or if you've recently taken antibiotics or antiviral medication. You also can't participate if you have certain lung conditions like cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis, or if you are terminally ill. The study also needs you to be able to understand and agree to take part in writing.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 65 years old or over?
Have you had a new cough for less than 7 days?
Do you also have shortness of breath, phlegm, or chest pain?
Are you able to provide written permission (consent) to take part?
Have you NOT taken antibiotics or antivirals in the last 30 days?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be randomly assigned to one of three groups, much like drawing straws. Each group will have a different quick test during your GP appointment. One group will have a test for common viruses like COVID-19 and flu. A second group will have that same test plus another called FebriDx, which helps detect bacterial infections. The third group will have the COVID-19 and flu test, along with a test for something called CRP, which is a sign of inflammation in your body.

These tests usually involve a simple swab from your nose/throat and/or a small finger-prick blood test, similar to checking your blood sugar. Your GP will use the results of these tests to help them decide if antibiotics are the right treatment for you. The study will also ask for your feedback on the process and check how well everything works. Your involvement will mostly happen during your GP appointment, and the study aims to run from February 2025 to October 2026, though your individual participation will be much shorter, typically limited to that one appointment.

Potential risks and benefits

You might benefit from taking part by getting a more accurate diagnosis for your chest infection, which could mean you avoid taking antibiotics if they're not needed. This could reduce any side effects you might have from unnecessary antibiotics and help protect these important medicines for everyone's future. There are very few risks involved; the tests are quick and generally cause only minor, temporary discomfort, like a tiny prick for the blood test. There's also a small chance a test result might be incorrect, but your doctor will always use their clinical judgement. You have the right to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (8)

Waterside Medical Practice
Approximate
Hayling Island, England
The Swan Practice
City only
Buckingham, England
St Bartholomew and Hollow Way Medical Pratice
City only
Oxford, England
Oaks Healthcare
City only
Waterlooville, England
Didcot Health Centre Practice
City only
Didcot, England
Hedena Health
Approximate
Oxford, England
Chawton Park Surgery
Approximate
Alton, England
Woodlands Medical Centre
Approximate
Didcot, England

Common questions

What is a 'point-of-care' test?

It's a quick test done right there in the doctor's office, giving results fast so your doctor can make decisions during your appointment.

Why is it important to avoid unnecessary antibiotics?

Taking antibiotics when you don't need them can cause side effects and contribute to 'antibiotic resistance', making it harder to treat serious infections in the future.

Will I definitely get a quick test if I join?

Yes, if you join, you will be randomly assigned to one of three groups, each involving different quick tests.

What kind of symptoms are they looking for?

They're looking for symptoms of a chest infection like a cough that started recently (less than 7 days ago), along with shortness of breath, phlegm, or chest pain.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre in the UK.

How to find out more

Jenna Garrod

jhg1u23@soton.ac.uk +44 23 8024 1000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.