RECUR - Dev
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Reducing Common Infections in Usual practice for Recurrent Respiratory tract infection (RECUR): Qualitatieve Development and Optimisation Studies
IRAS ID
263617
Contact name
Adam Geraghty
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
Experiencing coughs, colds and related symptoms (e.g. sinus/chest/ear infections) more than 3 times per year, can substantially affect quality of life and people’s ability to work. It can also lead to antibiotic use, increasing the likelihood of antibiotic resistance. We need new approaches to reduce the impact of coughs, colds and related symptoms. There is promising evidence that using nasal sprays, or alternatively lowering stress and increasing exercise, could reduce illness severity and duration.\nIn Study A, we will interview up to 25 people with experience of more than 3 coughs/colds per year. We aim to explore their thoughts about their experience. We will use what people say in these interviews to help develop and modify a range of interventions including (1) materials to help people use nasal sprays 2) digital (web-based) stress lowering and physical activity interventions. In Study A we will also use ‘think aloud’ methods, where we ask people to go through our materials and websites/apps and say what they think of content. We will then make changes on this basis.\n\nIn Study B, we will ask up to 20 people to use in the website and app for a 3-week period and keep a diary of their experiences. They will then be interviewed over the telephone and asked about their experience of using the website and app in their day-to-day life. We will also ask up to 15 additional people to use the nasal spray for 3 weeks, also keeping a diary of their experiences. They will then take part in a telephone interview about their experience. All interviews will be analysed, and additional changes made to improve interventions where possible. \n\nStudies A and B will lead to improved approaches (digital materials, material supporting nasal spray use), ready to be tested in larger studies. \nSummary of Results
This study is now complete. Delays in beginning and as a consequence of COVID-19 pandemic led us to combine Study A and B as one larger study.
We interviewed 23 participants with recurrent respiratory tract infections and/or health conditions that put them at risk of severe RTIs (6 males, 17 females, mean age 53). Most interviews took place by telephone. We did a thematic analysis of interview transcripts. We developed three main themes 1) Understanding Causes and Vulnerability, 2) Attempting to Prevent RTIs, 3) Uncertainty and Ambivalence about Prevention. We also identified one overarching theme (Changing Experiences because of COVID). The same 23 participants were also interviewed about the acceptability and likely engagement with our nasal spray, stress management and physical activity digital interventions.16 took part in ‘think aloud’ interviews where they worked through web-pages whilst communicating their immediate impressions and responses to the interviewer. 9 used the interventions over a period of 2 to 3 weeks and were then interviewed about their experiences of trying the interventions. 2 participants took part in both these types of interview. The findings have been used to optimise and refine the interventions. The interventions are currently being evaluated in the RECUR randomised controlled Trial (RCT). The findings have also helped us finalise our intervention logic models and have guided our decisions about measures for the mixed methods process studies that are nested within the RCT. Two papers reporting findings from this work are currently under review in peer-reviewed journals.REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SC/0354
Date of REC Opinion
11 Sep 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion