A recent feasibility study evaluating the Treat Your Respiratory Tract Infection (TY-RTI) leaflet has demonstrated strong acceptability among both GPs and patients in routine general practice and out-of-hours settings.
91% of GPs found the leaflet useful for supporting communication and providing crucial sepsis safety netting advice.
Many GPs also reported that the leaflet helped structure conversations, reduced consultation time, and supported delayed prescribing when appropriate.
Patients responded enthusiastically:
- 81% said the leaflet changed their views on needing antibiotics
- 88% felt more confident to self-manage their RTI
- 100% found it easy to read and understand
The TY-RTI leaflet improved communication, clarified expected illness duration, and helped reduce unnecessary antibiotic expectations – all key components of antimicrobial stewardship.
GP Resources
Treat Your RTI leaflet (PDF, 479 KB ) - Printer-friendly version for use during consultations
CHESTSSS Consultation Model – Video Introduction (YouTube) - Short explainer showing how CHESTSSS supports structured RTI consultations and use of the TY-RTI leaflet
Irish College of GPs Digital Learning – IPC & Antimicrobial Prescribing Course (login required) - Includes the CHESTSSS model and practical AMS/IPC tools (Search for “IPC and Antimicrobial Prescribing”)
Patient Resources
Managing a Respiratory Infection – Adult-focused video - Clear, short animation covering self-care, symptom duration, and when to re-attend
Managing a Child’s Respiratory Infection – Parent-focused video - Reassurance and guidance for parents on viral RTIs in children
Using the TY-RTI leaflet in routine GP consultations can support better conversations, safer prescribing, and reduced winter workload
Reference
Shah M, Barbosa TM, Ryan P, Walkin S, Fleming A. *A feasibility study of the use of a patient leaflet for respiratory tract infection consultations in general practice in Ireland.* Antimicrob Steward Healthc Epidemiol. 2025 Dec 22;6(1):e5. doi: 10.1017/ash.2025.10253