Protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial for reducing irrational antibiotic prescribing among children with upper respiratory infections in rural China
This study aims to test the effectiveness of a multidimensional intervention to reduce the use of antibiotics among children
Abstract
Irrational use of antibiotics is a serious issue within China and internationally. In 2012, the Chinese Ministry of Health issued a regulation for antibiotic prescriptions limiting them to <20% of all prescriptions for outpatients, but no operational details have been issued regarding policy implementation. This study aims to test the effectiveness of a multidimensional intervention designed to reduce the use of antibiotics among children (aged 2–14 years old) with acute upper respiratory infections in rural primary care settings in China, through changing doctors’ prescribing behaviours and educating parents/caregivers.
This research is supported by the Department for International Development’s COMDIS–HSD Programme which is led by the University of Leeds
Citation
Zou G, Wei X, Hicks JP, et al. Protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial for reducing irrational antibiotic prescribing among children with upper respiratory infections in rural China. BMJ Open 2016;6:e010544. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010544