Antibiotic use, particularly with 4C antibiotics (clindamycin, co-amoxiclav, ciprofloxacin, and cephalosporins), has been linked to Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Despite a reduction in CDI incidence in Scotland due to antibiotic stewardship, approximately 1,000 cases still occur annually. To assist clinicians with antibiotic
prescribing, the University of Strathclyde developed a mathematical algorithm using Scottish CDI patient data from 2010 to 2013 to predict CDI risk within 12 months. This thesis aimed to create a digital tool for CDI incorporating this algorithm, developed in collaboration with primary and secondary care clinicians. The tool's development was conducted across four stages using implementation frameworks and user-centred design principles:
Stage 1: Engaged three primary care GPs and a nurse through interviews, patient consultation observations, and a co-design workshop to understand their perspectives on CDI and assess the feasibility of implementing a digital tool. Stage 2: Conducted face-to-face interviews with 10 clinicians from primary and secondary care to validate findings from Stage 1, understand the burden of CDI in secondary care, and explore the potential implementation of a low-fidelity prototype. Stage 3: Collaborated with the digital solutions company SWARMonline to develop a beta version of the CDI tool, named the CDI Risk Predictor, which was web-accessible
on various devices. Insights from Stages 1 and 2 informed this development. Stage 4: Tested the CDI Risk Predictor with 17 clinicians from primary and secondary care through focus groups and one-on-one interviews. Participants provided feedback on layout, content, ease of use, and usefulness, which was supplemented by survey statements. Amendments were made to the CDI Risk Predictor based on participant feedback. This comprehensive approach ensures the development of a user-informed digital tool to aid in CDI risk prediction and management in Scotland, potentially enhancing CDI prevention strategies.
| Date of Award | 13 Jan 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Awarding Institution | - University Of Strathclyde
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| Sponsors | University of Strathclyde |
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| Supervisor | Amanj Kurdi (Supervisor) & Marion Bennie (Supervisor) |
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