HANSON
Hypertonic saline nasal spray for respiratory tract infections - a cluster-randomised controlled trial in general practice
What is it all about?
The study investigates whether the early use of a hypertonic nasal spray (3 %) can shorten the duration of respiratory tract infections in adults. Thirteen general practice institutions and their research practice networks (e.g., BayFoNet, FoPraNet-BW, RESPoNsE) are participating in the study.
In addition to the duration of illness, the number of sick days, doctor visits, and the use of antibiotics are also recorded. Virological testing is also offered. A health economic analysis aims to identify potential cost savings. As part of the process evaluation, the study examines which factors facilitate or hinder implementation in practice and how the intervention is perceived by participants.
How does the study work?
A total of 200 primary care practices are expected to recruit at least 3,860 adults, who will be monitored and surveyed over a period of twelve months.
project partners
Consortium management:
University Hospital Würzburg, Department of General Practice
Cooperation partners:
Technical University of Munich (TUM), Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research
University Hospital of Augsburg, Institute of General Practice
University Hospital Tübingen, Institute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care
University of Freiburg, Institute of General Practice
Ulm University, Department of General Practice and Primary Care
University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Institute of General Practice
Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine
University Hospital Jena, Institute of General Practice
University of Marburg, Department of General Practice
University of Regensburg, Center for Primary Care
LMU University Hospital, Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine
Sponsor, funding amount & duration
The project is funded by Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space with 4.6 million euros from 2026 to 2030.
