Enhanced Communication Skills and C-reactive Protein Point-of-Care Testing for Respiratory Tract Infection: 3.5-year Follow-up of a Cluster Randomized Trial

Abstract

Family physicians' use of CRP point-of-care testing and/or training in enhanced communication skills did not significantly affect office visit rates related to respiratory tract infections. Patients who saw a family physician trained in enhanced communication skills were prescribed significantly fewer antibiotics during episodes of respiratory tract infection in the subsequent 3.5 years.