Research

SORE THROAT STUDY

We are helping researchers from Oxford University in their major project investigating how to best manage sore throats. This study is trying to see whether it is better to use a questionnaire or a quick result swab test to determine whether or not antibiotics would be helpful for the treatment of a sore throat. The study does NOT involve taking any 'trial drugs.' The GPs involved in the study are Drs Kanji and Wilson at Chequers Drive Surgery, Prestwood, and also Drs Sutcliffe and Hykin at Hughenden Valley Surgery. For this reason we are keen for patients with sore throats aged 3yrs and over who would have consulted their GP about this particular sore throat to try to book to see these designated GPs on this occasion. The research staff at Oxford University have supplied us with further information about the study;

Primary Care Streptococcal Management Study (PRISM) 7/7/2006

Summary of the study

This study aims to find out which people with sore throat get better without problems, the few people who get worse or don’t get better quickly, and those who will benefit from antibiotics. In particular we want to find out whether throat swabs – which are used to detect bacterial infections - are a good way of targeting antibiotics. Finding the answer to this important question will be the first step to better targeting antibiotics in the future to those who will benefit, help avoid side effects when antibiotics are not needed, and to reduce ‘resistance’ resulting from overuse of antibiotics.

Up to 2100 patients presenting to their GP or practice nurse with a sore throat will have key clinical information collected by the GP or nurse – mainly by asking questions about how bad patient’s symptoms are, but also from a quick examination of the throat, including throat swabs and measuring the temperature.

All patients will then have their notes assessed to see whether they needed to come back to the GP/nurse or whether any complications occurred.

All patients are asked to complete a diary of their symptoms. The analysis will then assess whether the results of the throat swab are helpful in identifying those patients who are likely to benefit from antibiotics.

This information in turn can then be used to help doctors and nurse to better manage patients presenting with sore throat in future.

SWINE FLU IN PREGNANCY

We are helping the Thames Valley Primary Care Research Partnership with the Health Protection Agency in some research about swine flu in pregnancy. This simply consists of some questionnaires and possibly some nasal swabs. Please follow this link for further information; http://www.uktis.org/.