PIAMS study - effect of Point of care testing for Influenza on AntiMicrobial Stewardship in primary care in the UK
Background:
Influenza (flu) is a virus that can cause illness and death. Treatments need to be given within 24 to 48 hours from the onset of symptoms to be most effective. Recently, tests that can diagnose flu very fast and accurately have become available.
The study will take place between Dec 2022 and May 2023. We will recruit up to ten general practices in England will take part in the study. All patients in these practices will be eligible to take part should they present to their general practice with influenza-like illness or fever higher than 37.5 °C. Consented patients will have nasopharyngeal swabs taken by a GP or nurse.
The swab will be tested for flu viruses in the practice using a POCT machine. This will produce a result in under 60 minutes and will be made available to the patient’s GP.
Our Aim:
Our aim is to report the feasibility of undertaking point of care testing for respiratory viruses in primary care and the impact that POCT has on antibiotic and antiviral prescribing in general practice. We will additionally describe severe outcomes of infection (hospitalisation and mortality) and how POCT is integrated into primary care workflow.
Project Outline:
Influenza (flu) is a virus that can cause illness and death. Treatments need to be given within 24 to 48 hours from the onset of symptoms to be most effective. Recently, tests that can diagnose flu very fast and accurately have become available.
The study will take place between Dec 2022 and May 2023. We will recruit up to ten general practices in England will take part in the study. All patients in these practices will be eligible to take part should they present to their general practice with influenza-like illness or fever higher than 37.5 °C. Consented patients will have nasopharyngeal swabs taken by a GP or nurse.
The swab will be tested for flu viruses in the practice using a POCT machine. This will produce a result in under 60 minutes and will be made available to the patient’s GP.
