Clinical Research Directory

Point of Care Respiratory Pathogen Testing for Antibiotic Stewardship in Primary Care

The goal of this study is to understand the use of point of care (POC) testing devices in primary care offices to help clinicians diagnose and appropriately treat patients who have symptoms of upper respiratory infections (URIs). The study will use the BIOFIRE® SPOTFIRE® Respiratory (R) Panel testing device, which is FDA-cleared and CLIA-Waived. This panel can identify up to 15 different viruses and bacteria that can cause URIs. These POC devices will be installed in primary care clinics within the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Patients who come to the clinic with cold-like symptoms (runny nose, cough) will be offered the test. If the patient agrees to the test, their clinician will use a swab to take a small sample of fluid from their nose. This swab will then be tested within the POC device and results will be available within 15 minutes. The results of this sample will be shared with the patient, and their clinician can use the results to help decide the most appropriate medical treatment for the patient. Patients who agree to take the test will be asked to answer a short survey about the test and their experience. Clinicians will also be surveyed to share their thoughts with using the test in their clinics. Focus groups of practice staff and clinicians will also be conducted to understand any potential challenges for using this test in practice. Results from the tests and the surveys will help researchers understand the value of the test to support antibiotic stewardship efforts in primary care clinic settings.

Artificial Intelligence Diagnostic Decision Support to Reduce Antimicrobial Prescriptions in Young Children With Colds

Ear infections are common in young children with cold symptoms, but they can be difficult to diagnose due to small ear canals, child movement, and limited viewing time. In this study, investigators will take photos of the eardrums of children 6-24 months of age with upper respiratory symptoms. The photos will be reviewed by imaging software enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI app) to determine whether the AI app changes how ear infections are diagnosed and treated. The AI app has undergone rigorous study and was found to be highly accurate; but how using this technology affects the diagnosis and treatment by clinicians has not been studied. This research may help improve diagnostic accuracy for ear infections and ensure antibiotics are prescribed only for those children who have definite ear infections.