pilotAIM-BroTher - Randomized controlled pilot study on an outpatient telemedicine integrative care approach for acute bronchitis patients

• Applicant: Dr. Paul G. Werthmann
• Subject Area: Clinical Infectiology and Tropical Medicine
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 518861286

Acute bronchitis is one of the most common conditions for presentation to a physician's office or emergency department. Even though antibiotics are not indicated for this mostly viral disease, they are frequently requested by patients and prescribed by physicians. National and international guidelines recommend patient education and give advice for simple symptom-based self-treatment, some of which are from integrative medicine. Systematic scientific evidence for these measures is lacking. In a randomized controlled trial we want to investigate an integrative medical telemedicinal concept for guided self-treatment regarding its effectiveness in terms of faster symptom reduction and safety. Furthermore, we want to test whether such a concept can further reduce the consumption of antibiotics and antipyretics. As interventions, patients will receive instructions on teas, oil dressings (thyme, lavender), compresses (curd, lemon), dietary and lifestyle advice. In preparation for this study, we are conducting a pilot study for which we hereby request funding. In this pilot study we would like to test • whether the study procedures regarding recruitment, randomization and treatment start are feasible for such a study; • whether sufficient patients agree to be randomized in the intervention and control group; • whether telemedicinal support of the patients is feasible and successful; • whether the patients are capable to carry out the guided self-treatments; • whether a specific support or precautions have to be implemented in certain patient populations; • which challenges have to be addressed or adaptions made with regard to the study procedures; • what symptom duration is reported in the study population.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants