Exploring Primary Care Clinicians' Views about How Best to Implement a Potential Trial around Point-of-Care Tests for Common Infections in South Africa

Optimisation of antibiotic prescribing is critical to combat antimicrobial resistance. Point-of-care tests (POCTs) for common infections could be a valuable tool to achieve this in primary care. Currently, their use has primarily been studied in high-income countries. Trials in low-and-middle-income countries face challenges unique to their setting. This study aims to explore the barriers and facilitators for a future trial of POCTs for common infections in South Africa. Twenty-three primary care clinicians in the Western Cape Metropole were interviewed. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. We identified three key themes. These themes focused on clinicians' views about proposed trial design and novel POCTs, clinicians' perspectives about trial set-up, and specific trial procedures. Participants were overall positive about the proposed trial and POCTs. Potential issues centred around the limited space and technology available and participant retention to follow-up. Additionally, impact on clinic workload was an important consideration. These insights will be invaluable in informing the design of a feasibility trial of POCTs in this setting.

Automated summary

This study examines the barriers and facilitators for a future trial of POCTs for common infections in South Africa, involving 23 primary care clinicians in the Western Cape. Clinicians generally showed positive attitudes towards the proposed trial and POCTs, but identified potential issues with participant retention and impact on clinic workload.