How this fits in

The PACE randomised controlled trial found that a C-reactive protein point-of care test (CRP-POCT) management strategy resulted in a 20% reduction in patient-reported antibiotic consumption over 4 weeks following consultations for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in primary care. Understanding the perceived value of CRP-POCT to clinicians and patients, potential mechanisms, and identifying barriers and facilitators to its use is vital in informing implementation plans. This study indicated that the CRP-POCT had high acceptability for use in the management of AECOPD in general practice, increasing clinician confidence, reducing decisional uncertainty, and as a tool to facilitate communication and patient education. GPs should consider adopting CRP-POCT in the routine management of acute exacerbations of COPD, but commissioning arrangements and further simplification of the point-of-care test need attention to facilitate this.