Study identification

EU PAS number

EUPAS36508

Study ID

36509

Official title and acronym

Diagnosis and management of infectious disease in primary care during the COVID-19 lockdown: changes in antibacterial and antiviral use

DARWIN EU® study

No

Study countries

United Kingdom

Study description

Public health measures introduced to reduce the spread of COVID-19 has led to rapid changes in the way general practices deliver care, with greater use of telephone and video consultations, and a significant change in how and when patients access services. Infectious diseases, including respiratory and urinary tract infections, are the most common reasons why patients see a GP. We think the COVID-19 lockdown may have changed the way patients seek healthcare for infectious diseases, and how GPs treat these infections.Using anonymised primary care medical records, we would like to find out 1. Whether more or less a) infectious diseases are being diagnosed, and b) drugs used to treat infections are being prescribed, during the UK COVID-19 lockdown, and if changes are related to practice characteristics such as poverty, previous infection consultation behaviour 2. If certain patients with an infection are more or less likely to be treated with antibacterial/antivirals3. Which medications are being prescribed to patients with COVID-194. Whether more or less patients registered to practices with fewer infectious disease diagnoses are going to hospital with an infectious disease.The information will help us understand whether patients are seeking help less for infectious diseases in general practice, and whether this leads to more hospital attendances, and if GPs are changing the way they prescribe medication for infectious disease. Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the general population’s health will inform the delivery of primary care during the potential second wave of COVID-19 expected in the Autumn.

Study status

Ongoing
Research institutions and networks

Institutions

Contact details

Rachel Denholm

Primary lead investigator

Study timelines

Date when funding contract was signed

Planned:
Actual:

Study start date

Planned:
Actual:

Date of final study report

Planned:
Sources of funding
Non-for-profit organisation (e.g. charity)
Other

More details on funding

Elizabeth Blackwell Research Institute, University of Bristol
Regulatory

Was the study required by a regulatory body?

No

Is the study required by a Risk Management Plan (RMP)?

Not applicable