About PREPARED

Pandemic Preparedness Engaging Primary Care and Emergency Departments (PREPARED)

What is the PREPARED study?

Acute respiratory infections contribute significantly to the global disease burden, ranking as the third leading cause of mortality worldwide. Over two-thirds of all antibiotic prescriptions are for acute respiratory infections, despite the majority of these infections being viral in origin and therefore not requiring antibiotics. Patients infected with existing and novel pathogens are most likely to present first to primary care clinics and emergency departments, but access to the latest multi-pathogen point-of-care tests is limited. The ability to promptly diagnose and enroll patients into clinical trials for acute infections could substantially expedite research processes, lead to quicker validation of therapeutic strategies, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

The purpose of this study is to:

  • Enhance surveillance and bolster Canada’s ability to detect future pandemics
  • Establish a system for referring eligible patients with acute infections to ongoing related clinical trials
  • Provide rapid evidence to inform clinical and health system management and public health leaders, decision-makers, and planners within Canada and internationally

Frequently Asked Questions

To be eligible for this study, you must meet the following criteria:

You must have experienced at least two of the following respiratory symptoms:

  • Rhinitis
  • Cough
  • Wheezing
  • Sore throat
  • Nasal congestion
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rapid breathing
  • Excessive mucus production
  • Loss of smell or taste
  • Blood in your sputum
  • Trouble sleeping due to breathing difficulties

OR

One of the respiratory symptoms mentioned above plus one or more of the following:

  • Fatigue
  • Joint stiffness or pain
  • Painful or sore muscles
  • Feeling weak
  • Tired and may be unable to stand
  • Fever (defined for this study as >37.5°C)
  • Chills
  • Night sweats

It is important to note that your symptoms must have started within 7 days ago.

Since the study involves collecting a sample from the back of your nose and/or throat, participation requires undergoing at least one nasal/nasopharyngeal swabs.  If you choose not to undergo this procedure, you will not be able to participate in the study; however, you will still continue to receive standard care from your healthcare provider if you have one. Please note that the study team does not replace or act as your healthcare provider. Taking part in this study is voluntary.  You have the option to not participate at all or you may choose to leave the study at any time.    

This study is for research purposes only and is not intended to provide medical care. Your decision to participate or not will not affect the medical care you receive from healthcare providers.

There are no medications being offered in this study.

The consent and swabbing would take about 30 minutes to complete.

Inserting a swab into the participant’s nostrils could cause a small discomfort or a brief sensation of pressure or tickling in their nose. The risks associated with swab tests are generally minimal. There is a small risk of causing minor nosebleeds or infection at the collection site. In rare cases, there might be a more severe reaction, such as injury to the nasal septum, but this is extremely uncommon.  There is a small risk of accidental release of identifiable information. Study staff will ensure that the identifiable information is kept secure.

If you have any questions, please contact prepared@unityhealth.to

Unity Health Toronto Research Ethics Board # 24-161

Sign up for PREPARED newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter for updates on our research study and job opportunities