The PLUS-IS-LESS study : Procalcitonin and Lung UltraSonography based antibiotherapy in patients with Lower rESpiratory tract infection in Swiss emergency departments: stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial

The aim of the PLUS-IS-LESS study is to improve diagnostic performance and reduce antibiotic over prescription in the context of basic lung infections in emergency departments. The collaboration in this research project consists of the qualitative research part on the perception of patients and physicians of the new diagnostic tools.

We will evaluate acceptability and feasibility of the intervention through extensive identification of barriers and facilitators in patients and physicians conducting semi-structured interviews with emergency physicians (1-2 per site) and patients (around 50 patients over 4 sites and/or until data saturation is reached) using a pre-defined interview guide. Using a content analysis approach, data will be coded and analyzed with regard to the identification of barriers and facilitators to the implementation.