Implementing point-of-care testing to optimise antibiotic prescribing in primary care

Rapid diagnostics and point-of-care testing (POCT) have been promoted as one of the key solutions to help reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing. However, many barriers to using POCT in primary care remain, and it is still unclear how POCT could be implemented to help optimise treatment decisions and antibiotic prescribing.

 What are we looking for?

This project will build on our current/recent projects on implementing strategies and diagnostics to optimise antibiotic use in primary care.

It could focus on one or more of the following areas:

• Implementation of POCT if different primary care settings
• Patients’ views on and acceptance of POCT
• Communication about POCT between health professionals and patients
• Design of point-of-care tests

 The project will likely involve behavioural sciences approach, mixed methods and stakeholder involvement.

About this research group

It will be embedded within the Infections and Acute Care research group and supported by the NIHR Community Healthcare MedTech and In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative (MIC), a team of researchers and clinicians who work to develop and evaluate diagnostics which are fit for purpose across a wide range of community healthcare settings. 

If interested in this project, please contact Aleksandra.borek@phc.ox.ac.uk.