Grant: Project Grant - Priority Announcement: Patient-Oriented Research

Each fall and winter, many people experience colds, flu and other respiratory infections known as "acute respiratory infections" (ARIs). These are called acute because they are of short duration, but they are usually mild, with symptoms like coughing, sneezing, sore throat, fever and fatigue. Most can be managed at home, but many people seek care for reassurance or treatment. This increases the demand on clinics and emergency departments, where high patient volumes raise the risk of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance, making them less effective when truly needed. This study aims to learn how adults navigate care for ARIs and identify ways to improve their care experience. We will map the steps people take, from symptom to medical visits, for themselves and children under their care. We will examine patterns of healthcare and antibiotic use, and explore which factors shape these patterns. We will explore whether certain groups face more challenges in getting appropriate care, and we will also assess whether a self-management tool developed in earlier work help patients feel more confident to self-care and reduces medical visits. To do this, we will build on an ongoing study called the Cohort in Primary Care (COPRI), which follows adults receiving care from 29 Family Medicine Groups across Quebec. Over 1,200 participants have completed the first visit questionnaire. For this project, 4,000 participants will complete two additional questionnaires, one year apart, about their health, experience with ARIs and antibiotic use. We will also review their medical records to better understand how care was provided. By understanding how people navigate care for ARIs, we can develop better tools and strategies to support patients, reduce avoidable visits, and promote responsible antibiotic use. The findings will help improve care in family medicine clinics, support providers, and make the system more efficient and equitable.