Large-scale spinoff for Jochen Cals’s PhD research on respiratory infections
“I do research because I want to change practice”
Jochen Cals’s PhD dissertation on countering unnecessary antibiotic use in general medicine appears to have been just the first brick in the wall: it is now set to enjoy a large-scale spinoff. A growing number of doctors and insurance companies around the Netherlands are interested in the outcome of this study, including the Dutch Association of General Practitioners (NHG). Cals is also involved in a large European study on respiratory infections, which will start later this year.
The GP trainee and CAPHRI researcher is pleased with this reception. “This is why I do scientific research: I want to make changes. But it’s still too early to tell whether my research will be able to do this. We’ll have to wait and see.”
Cals graduated cum laude in December 2009 with his PhD research on patients with acute coughs, indicating a possible infection of the lower respiratory tract. These patients are often unnecessarily prescribed antibiotics for their symptoms. The research reveals that using finger-stick tests to exclude the possibility of serious infection paired with communication training for GPs significantly reduces the need for antibiotics.
A website is currently being developed that aims to answer the many questions GPs still have about the research. “Doctors will be able to log on and follow an interactive module”, says Cals. “The website – www.acutehoest.nl – should be ready at the end of the year.” The research has had a significant impact on the national level as well: the NHG is considering applying its NHG standard to acute cough symptoms at the end of this year. Cals also received a ZonMw Pearl and the CaRe dissertation award for his research.
Yet the spinoff extends far beyond national borders: the European study into respiratory infections, which Cals is also involved in, will soon be examining the quick-test in practice. The study is being funded by the European Union. “We intend to get 5500 patients in six European countries to participate. And we’ll also incorporate online communications training for GPs.”
Jochen Cals also contributed to the research statement on respiratory infections by The International Primary Care Respiratory Group, intended for researchers working in this field worldwide. “These statements expose any research gaps that may be present, in this case in the field of respiratory infections. It also helps determine the research agenda.”
Cals himself remains modest about his achievements, preferring to focus on finishing his education and his research instead. “I fluctuate between the two. I’m either a full-time researcher or I work full time at the office. But of course the research never stops.”
This is an interesting career choice for someone who as neither interested in becoming a GP at the start of his medical studies, nor wanted to conduct research. “Research seemed rather dull and I didn’t have a very good view of the GP profession.” However, he slowly realised he was interested in making lasting connections with his patients. “And that’s something I can do as a GP,” he says. During his residency he realised that research also appealed to him. “I think I’ll always combine practical work with research or education. Taking a step back every now and then gives you a new perspective on things. But,” he concludes, “research questions always evolve from practical experience. By actively working in the field, you can assess how your research ideas translate into practice.”
For more information, visit www.jochencals.nl