Skip to main content

Table 1 Overview of SIMPle intervention components

From: Supporting the improvement and management of prescribing for urinary tract infections (SIMPle): protocol for a cluster randomized trial

Intervention component

Study arm

Description

Primary objectives

Secondary objectives

GP focused

Coding workshop

All arms

Demonstrate the purpose of electronically coding UTI consultations using coding guidelines (International Classification of Primary Care code U71) and how to implement uniform coding in routine practice.

Promote routine uniform consultation coding for UTIs.

Gather baseline practice data and knowledge and attitudinal data (questionnaires).

Interactive workshop A

Intervention arm A

Raise the profile of GPs’ antimicrobial prescribing behaviours and their role in the broader issue of AMR.

Encourage GPs to become more aware of their antimicrobial prescribing behaviours through discussion of their role in the development of AMR.

Process evaluation

Provide guidance on antimicrobial prescribing through adherence to guideline for UTI.

Interactive workshop B

Intervention arm B

In addition to the core components of interactive workshop A, the recommendation to delay antimicrobial prescribing for UTIs facilitated through shared decision making will be promoted.

Encourage the use of delayed prescribing for UTIs.

Process evaluation.

Electronic audit and feedback reports

Intervention arms A and B

A monthly report will be available (electronically) to practices summarizing their antimicrobial prescribing patterns for UTIs and antimicrobial resistance patterns of E. coli.

To provide a comparison of antimicrobial prescribing for UTIs between practices.

To provide an overview of antimicrobial resistance patterns in E. coli causing UTIs.

Stakeholder awareness

Information about the intervention and the issue of AMR will be provided to other stakeholders; pharmacists, practice receptionists and practice nurses.

To update all stakeholders on the overall aim of the intervention.

 

Computer “prompt” application

Intervention arm A

Upon entry of the uniform UTI code, automated electronic prompts will appear on the GPs computer screen.

Provide the recommended antimicrobial treatment for a UTIs.

Remind the GP to collect urine samples and patients’ mobile telephone numbers.

Intervention arm B

Provide the recommended antimicrobial treatment for a UTI and suggest delayed prescribing.

 

Patient focused components

Informational leaflets

Intervention arms A and B

Leaflets will outline the aim of the SIMPle study and highlight issues relating to consuming antibiotics. Intervention arm B patients will receive additional information, outlining the benefits of delayed prescribing for UTIs.

To increase awareness of the side effects, resistance and lack of the availability of new antibiotics.

To inform the patient of the study. To support the use of delayed prescribing for UTIs (patients in intervention group B only).

Educational infomercial

An educational video will be displayed in practice waiting rooms. The video will outline the key issues associated with AMR to patients.

GP and patient focused components

Website

Intervention arms A and B

The website will provide more information on the issues of AMR.

To provide access to an online survey.

Provide background to the SIMPle study.