Help shape practice: Participate in the ABC Study on antibiotic prophylaxis before cystoscopy
Your insights can help address the gap between evidence and practice in antibiotic use before cystoscopy across Europe.
About the ABC Study
The ABC Study (Antibiotic prophylaxis before Cystoscopy) aims to better understand current clinical practice among urologists across Europe regarding the use of antibiotic prophylaxis prior to cystoscopy.
Although evidence shows that antibiotic prophylaxis before cystoscopy has little or no clinical benefit—and European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines recommend that it should not be routinely offered—recent research indicates that it is still widely used in practice.
Understanding why this gap between evidence and practice persists is essential to improving patient care.
Purpose of the research
This study focuses on identifying the barriers and facilitators influencing decision-making among urologists when it comes to prescribing antibiotic prophylaxis before cystoscopy.
Insights gathered will support the development of evidence-based behaviour change strategies to optimise antibiotic use and reduce unnecessary prescribing, ultimately contributing to higher-quality care for patients
Who can participate
Urologists across Europe who are involved in performing cystoscopies are invited to take part.
The study aims to recruit approximately 100 participants.
Participation is entirely voluntary.
What participation involves
Taking part in the study includes:
- Online survey (10–15 minutes)
- Covers current practices and factors influencing decision-making
- Collects limited demographic information (e.g. role, experience, hospital type, country)
- Responses are fully anonymous
- Optional follow-up interview (~45 minutes)
- Conducted via telephone or MS Teams
- Available in English, German, or Dutch
- Scheduled at a time convenient to you
At the end of the survey, participants can indicate whether they would like to take part in the interview.
Confidentiality and data protection
All survey responses are anonymous and handled in strict confidence.
Data is stored securely on University of Aberdeen servers
Personal contact details (if provided for interviews or updates) are stored separately from survey responses
Data is processed in accordance with UK Data Protection laws
Study data will be retained for 10 years
The University of Aberdeen is the study sponsor and acts as the data controller.
Benefits and considerations
- There are no direct personal benefits to participation
- There are no risks, aside from the time required to take part
- Your contribution will support research aimed at improving clinical practice and patient care
Ethics and governance
The study has been reviewed and approved by the:
University of Aberdeen School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition Ethics Review Board (SERB)
Reference number: 9736179
Take part in the study
For more information access the: Study participant information sheet
Additional information about the optional interview will be provided at the end of the survey.
Contact information
For further details or questions, please contact:
Dr Jennifer Dunsmore (Researcher) jennifer.dunsmore@abdn.ac.uk
Dr Steven MacLennan (Chief Investigator) steven.maclennan@abdn.ac.uk
Funding and organisation
Funded by the European Association of Urology (EAU)
Organised by the Academic Urology Unit, University of Aberdeen
Sponsored by the University of Aberdeen
