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Cardiff University research shortlisted for top medical prize
Leading Cardiff University research which is helping to reduce unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics has been shortlisted for a major medical prize.
Professors Christopher Butler and Kerenza Hood of Cardiff University's School of Medicine, together with their collaborators from Maastricht University in the Netherlands, are only one of four groups world-wide to have been shortlisted for the prestigious BMJ Group Awards - Research Paper of the Year 2009.
Their research paper, published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) in May, is part of a wider programme of research examining innovative ways of reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.
Their study gained particular praise for its evaluation of the benefits of two separate kinds of intervention. It found that GPs in primary care who underwent training in advanced communications skills and who made use of a simple blood test prescribed fewer antibiotics for lower respiratory tract infections, without delaying recovery, increasing complications, or reducing satisfaction with care.
Professor Christopher Butler from Cardiff University's Department of Primary Care and Public Health said: "As the problem of bacteria resistant to antibiotic treatment grows, researchers from around the world are seeking ways to improve the quality of antibiotic prescribing.
"Prescribing antibiotics only when patients will clearly benefit, reduces the pressure that drives antibiotic resistance. Our clinical trial therefore sought to evaluate ways antibiotic prescribing could be reduced without adversely affecting patient recovery or satisfaction with care - we are therefore delighted that our research has been recognised by the BMJ in this way."
The BMJ Group Annual Awards are designed to recognise individuals, organisations and initiatives that have demonstrated outstanding and measurable contributions to health.
The paper is the only one involving UK researchers to be shortlisted from more than 700 nominations from around the world in the category of original clinical research that has contributed to improving health and healthcare.
Professor Kerenza Hood, who is also Director of the South East Wales Trials Unit said, "The results of our study showed that 54% of GPs practising according to usual care prescribed antibiotics, whereas 27% of those who had been trained in the advanced communication and 31% of the GPs who used the blood test methods did so. Only 23% of GPs who were trained in the advanced communication skills and who used the blood test prescribed antibiotics.
"Most importantly, the results showed that prescribing fewer antibiotics did not mean that patients were unwell for longer. Patients' recovery and satisfaction with care were not compromised by GPs not prescribing their patient antibiotics."
The winners of the 2009 BMJ Group Awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on the 10th March.
Visit the University website at: www.cardiff.ac.uk