A pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial of a tailored intervention to improve the initial management of suspected encephalitis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine whether a tailored multifaceted implementation strategy improves the initial management of patients with suspected encephalitis.

Design

Pragmatic two arm cluster randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Hospitals within the United Kingdom.

Participants

Twenty-four hospitals nested within 12 postgraduate deaneries. Patients were identified retrospectively by searching discharge, microbiology, radiology and pharmacy records and included if they met clinical criteria or had a recorded suspicion of encephalitis.

Intervention

An implementation strategy designed to overcome barriers to change, comprising local action planning, education and training, feedback on performance, a lumbar puncture pack and a range of optional components.

Outco

SUBMITTER: Backman R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6283633 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature