Antibiotic prescribing in hospitals: a social and behavioural scientific approach

Efficacy of heparin-vancomycin-amikacin combination lock in preventing catheter-related infections in haemodialysis patients: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

Background

Haemodialysis patients with tunnelled central venous catheters (CVCs) are at high risk for catheter-related infections (CRIs), which can lead to serious complications, prolonged hospitalizations, and increased healthcare costs. The use of antibiotic lock solutions may help prevent these infections. This study evaluates the efficacy of a heparin-vancomycin-amikacin combination lock solution in preventing CRIs compared with heparin alone in haemodialysis patients.

Methods

This single-centre, double-blind randomized clinical trial involved 60 haemodialysis patients with tunnelled CVCs. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a heparin 5000 units/mL lock (Group A) or a combination of heparin 5000 units/mL, vancomycin 500 mg/mL, and amikacin 500 mg/mL lock (Group B). The primary outcome was the incidence of CRIs, diagnosed using CDC criteria, over a 6-month follow-up period.

Findings

Group B demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of CRIs compared to Group A (P=0.001). Additionally, the mean number of CRI episodes per patient and the CRI rate per 1000 catheter days were significantly lower in Group B (P=0.028 and 0.042, respectively). The rate of catheter removal due to infection was also significantly reduced in Group B (P=0.029). No significant differences in infection timing were observed, although Group B showed later infection onset. No adverse drug reactions were reported.

Conclusions

The heparin-vancomycin-amikacin combination lock solution was more effective in preventing CRIs than heparin alone in haemodialysis patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are needed to confirm its long-term benefits and assess potential risks, including antibiotic resistance.

Assessing behaviours in antimicrobial prescribing and implants in the UK: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

With implant dentistry growing in popularity as a means of replacing missing teeth, there is an increasing need for guidance to support regular practice and to ensure that implantology is reinforced with an appropriate evidence base for developing safe prescribing habits. This is particularly important as the prescribing of antibiotics in implant dentistry is becoming increasingly controversial owing to the fear of any failure due to post-operative infection; the possible litigation consequences that might emerge can be a major reason for justifying such prescription protocols.

METHODOLOGY

A questionnaire-based pilot study was carried out, which assessed prescribing behaviours by UK-based dentists placing dental implants. The 11-item questionnaire sought information on implant procedures categorised as straightforward and complex implant procedures. The survey was distributed electronically through local implant study clubs and via dental social media forums.

RESULTS

A total of 54 dentists responded, with almost 89% of respondents prescribing antibiotics pre-operatively and 85% prescribing antibiotics post-operatively, with amoxicillin always the primary choice. The recommended course of treatment varied between one and seven or more days. Almost half of the respondents prescribed analgesics pre- and/or post-operatively with ibuprofen and paracetamol as the first and second choices, respectively. Dexamethasone was prescribed pre- and post-operatively by 7% of the dentists.

CONCLUSION

This study highlighted a lack of national antibiotics prescription guidelines and a lack of consistency in implant dentistry practice in the UK. It also indicated the need for multi-centre studies with large sample sizes that can support the foundation for appropriate guidelines on antibiotic prescribing in implant dentistry.

Rethinking the words hostspot reservoir and pristine in the environmental dimensions of antimicrobial resistance

We assess three words commonly used to represent the environmental dimensions of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) - 'hotspot', 'reservoir' and 'pristine' - through two questions: how are these terms used in published research; and how do these terms shape research being conducted? We advocate for the community to reflect on and improve its use of language, and suggest four potentially more productive and precise terms for AMR hazard: presence; transmission; evolution and connectivity.

Comprehensive Overview of Antibacterial Drugs and Natural Antibacterial Compounds Found in Food Plants

The aim of this review is to list the various natural sources of antimicrobials that are readily available. Indeed, many plant sources are known to have antibiotic properties, although it is not always clear which molecule is responsible for this activity. Many food supplements also have this therapeutic indication. We propose here to take stock of the scientific knowledge attesting or not to these indications for some food sources. An overview of the various antibiotic drugs commercially available will be provided. A structural indication of the natural molecules present in various plants and reported to contribute to their antibiotic power will be given. The plants mentioned in this review, which does not claim to be exhaustive, are referenced for fighting Gram-positive and/or Gram-negative bacteria. It is difficult to attribute activity to just one of these natural molecules, as it is likely to result from synergy within the plant. Similarly, chitosan is mentioned for its fungistatic and bacteriostatic properties. In this case, this polymeric compound derived from the chitin of marine organisms is referenced for its antibiofilm activity. It seems that, in the face of growing antibiotic resistance, it makes sense to keep high-performance synthetic antibiotics on hand to treat the difficult pathologies that require them. On the other hand, for minor infections, the use of better-tolerated natural sources is certainly sufficient. To achieve this, we need to take stock of common plant sources, available as food products or dietary supplements, which are known to be active in this field.

A novel multilayer antimicrobial urinary catheter material with antimicrobial properties

Urinary catheters are commonly used in medical practice to drain and monitor urine of patients. However, urinary catheterisation is associated with the risk of developing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), which can result in life-threatening sepsis that requires antibiotics for treatment. Using the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique, we assembled a multilayer catheter comprising nine quadruple layers (9QL) of alginate, chlorhexidine (CHX), alginate and poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) built upon an amino-functionalised silicone. The prepared catheter materials were tested for pre-packaged storage conditions and sterilisation techniques. The daily release of CHX was measured at pH 7.4 and pH 5 and simulated urine at 37 °C, which was used to determine the antimicrobial affect. CHX release was detected for a minimum of 14 days in PBS (pH 7.4), pH 5 release media, and simulated urine for the samples tested against storage conditions and sterilisation techniques. Incubation of the prepared material with bacterial cultures for 24 hours restricted bacterial growth compared to incubation with the standard material. The minimum inhibition concentration of CHX for clinically isolated urinary tract infection (UTI) bacterial strains was in the range of 19.4-77.4 µM, at which the released CHX could indirectly prevent bacterial growth for up to 14 days. Based on the daily CHX release from the samples, the hydrolysis of PBAE at pH 5 was gradual, resulting in a greater number of days of preventing bacterial growth, followed by pH 7.4 and then simulated urine. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of PBAE in association with a urinary catheter material for the release of an antimicrobial drug.

Duration of antibiotic therapy in the intensive care unit: factors influencing decision-making during multidisciplinary meetings

OBJECTIVES

In the intensive care unit (ICU), antibiotics are often given longer than recommended in guidelines. A better understanding of the factors influencing antibiotic therapy duration is needed to develop improvement strategies to effectively address these drivers of excessive duration. This study aimed to explore the determinants of adherence to recommended antibiotic therapy durations among healthcare professionals involved in antibiotic decision-making within the ICU, focusing on multidisciplinary meetings (MDMs).

METHODS

Semistructured interviews were held with healthcare professionals involved in antibiotic decision-making during MDMs in four Dutch ICUs. Participants included intensivists, clinical microbiologists and ICU residents. Transcripts were analysed using deductive and inductive content analysis methods.

RESULTS

A total of 20 participants were interviewed. The interviews revealed that decision-making regarding antibiotic therapy duration is a complex process, primarily centred around professional interactions during MDMs and involving a broad range of determinants. These determinants were categorised into the following four steps: (1) the introduction of duration as a topic for discussion in the MDM (eg, lack of priority to discuss antibiotic therapy duration); (2) the discussion of antibiotic therapy duration itself (eg, lack of core members during MDM); (3) the establishment of a concrete decision (eg, lack of documentation of the decisions made); (4) the execution of the decision (eg, forgetting to stop antibiotics).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified numerous factors that influence decisions about the duration of antibiotic therapy during MDMs in the ICU. By describing these factors throughout the decision-making process, we provided valuable insights into barriers that commonly arise in specific steps, highlighting critical areas for improvement. Daily MDMs were deemed essential for informed decision-making regarding antibiotic therapy duration by the interviewees. Strategies to improve appropriate duration in the ICU should prioritise strengthening interdisciplinary communication between healthcare professionals and adding structure to these meetings.

Improving antibiotic use in hospitals: development of a digital antibiotic review tracking toolkit (DARTT) using the behaviour change wheel

OBJECTIVE

To develop a theory-informed behaviour change intervention to promote appropriate hospital antibiotic use, guided by the Medical Research Council's complex interventions framework.

METHODS

A phased approach was used, including triangulation of data from meta-ethnography and two qualitative studies. Central to intervention design was the generation of a robust theoretical basis using the Behaviour Change Wheel to identify relevant determinants of behaviour change and intervention components. Intervention content was guided by APEASE (Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Side-effects, and Equity) criteria and coded using a Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy. Stakeholders were involved throughout.

RESULTS

From numerous modifiable prescribing behaviours identified, active 'antibiotic time-out' was selected as the target behaviour to help clinicians safely initiate antibiotic reassessment. Prescribers' capability, opportunity, and motivation were potential drivers for changing this behaviour. The design process resulted in the selection of 25 behaviour change techniques subsequently translated into intervention content. Integral to this work was the development and refinement of a Digital Antibiotic Review Tracking Toolkit.

CONCLUSION

This novel work demonstrates how the Behaviour Change Wheel can be used with the Medical Research Council framework to develop a theory-based behaviour change intervention targeting barriers to timely hospital antibiotic reassessment. Future research will evaluate the Antibiotic Toolkit's feasibility and effectiveness.

Risk factors associated with antibiotic prescriptions for cases of enteric pathogens in Canada, 2015-2019

Inappropriate antibiotic use is a key driver of antibiotic resistance and one that can be mitigated through stewardship. A better understanding of current prescribing practices is needed to develop successful stewardship efforts. This study aims to identify factors that are associated with human cases of enteric illness receiving an antibiotic prescription. Cases of laboratory-confirmed enteric illness reported to the FoodNet Canada surveillance system between 2015 and 2019 were the subjects of this study. Laboratory data were combined with self-reported data collected from an enhanced case questionnaire that included demographic data, illness duration and symptoms, and antibiotic prescribing. The data were used to build univariable logistic regression models and a multivariable logistic regression model to explore what factors were associated with a case receiving an antibiotic prescription. The final multivariable model identified several factors as being significantly associated with cases being prescribed an antibiotic. Some of the identified associations indicate that current antibiotic prescribing practices include a substantial level of inappropriate use. This study provides evidence that antibiotic stewardship initiatives targeting infectious diarrhoea are needed to optimize antibiotic use and combat the rise of antibiotic resistance.

Primary Healthcare Physicians' Insufficient Knowledge Is Associated with Antibiotic Overprescribing for Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVES

Overuse of antibiotics in healthcare remains prevalent and requires urgent attention in China, particularly in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. This study aimed to describe the patterns of antibiotic prescriptions for acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in PHC facilities in China and to investigate how PHC physicians' knowledge influences their antibiotic prescribing behavior.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey linking physician questionnaire responses and their prescription data was conducted in Shaanxi Province, China. The proportions of URTI visits that received at least one antibiotic, combined antibiotics, and broad-spectrum antibiotics were the main outcomes reflecting antibiotic prescribing behavior. Multivariate mixed-effects logistic regressions were applied to analyze the relationship between PHC physicians' knowledge about antibiotics and their antibiotic prescribing behavior.

RESULTS

A total of 108 physicians filled out the questionnaires between February 2021 and July 2021, and a sample of 11,217 URTI visits attended by these physicians from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 were included in the analysis. The overall mean score of our respondents on the knowledge questions was 5.2 (total score of 10). Over sixty percent (61.2%; IQR 50.2-72.1) of the URTI visits received antibiotics. The percentages of URTI visits prescribed with combined and broad-spectrum antibiotics were 7.8% (IQR 2.3-10.2) and 48.3% (IQR 36.7-58.7), respectively. Third-generation cephalosporins were the most frequently used antibiotics. Physicians with lower antibiotic knowledge scores were more inclined to prescribe antibiotics (p < 0.001), combined antibiotics (p = 0.001), and broad-spectrum antibiotics (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians' insufficient knowledge was significantly associated with antibiotic overprescribing. Professional training targeting physicians' knowledge of antibiotics is urgently needed to improve the rational use of antibiotics in grassroots healthcare facilities in China.

Variability in Profiles and Prevalences of Gram-Negative Bacteria in Urinary Tract Infections: A Population-Based Analysis

Objective: An increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is observed worldwide, partly due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, which are ineffective in certain population subgroups. This negatively impacts both the healthcare system and patients. Our study aimed to investigate the current AMR profiles for the most commonly used antibiotics in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by gram-negative bacteria (GNB) across different age and gender subpopulations. By doing so, we provide valuable information for doctors managing prophylactic and empiric therapeutic treatments. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analysed over 650,000 urine cultures collected in the Microbiology Department of a referral university hospital in Southern England from January 2014 to December 2022. A population-based analysis for subgroups was performed to rule out differences in AMR patterns. Our report was recorded at UHS as an internal audit (UHS7670). Results: 146,867 cultures were found positive for GNB growth. Nitrofurantoin showed the best sensitivity patterns for all age subgroups (0.93% for patients aged ≤ 18; 1.22% for patients aged 19-40; 2.17% for patients aged 40-60; and 3.48% for patients aged > 60), regardless of gender (male: 6.37%, female: 2.59%). Ampicillin/amoxicillin and trimethoprim showed a poor AMR profile for all age groups (>55% and >28%, respectively) and genders (>60% and >28%, respectively). All the other tested antibiotics (cefalexin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, co-amoxiclav, gentamicin) showed an overall good profile for GNB resistance across all subgroups. For all antibiotics except trimethoprim, the risk of developing AMR was significantly higher in the male population. We also found that people aged over 60 had a higher risk of AMR compared to the other age groups for all antibiotics, with the exception of cefotaxime and co-amoxiclav. Conclusions: With an overall rise in resistance patterns for GNB-related UTIs, certain antibiotics-particularly ampicillin/amoxicillin and trimethoprim-now exhibit very poor sensitivity profiles. However, antibiotics such as nitrofurantoin and gentamicin remain excellent options for empirically treating UTIs. It is important to note that AMR can vary across different populations, with higher resistance often found in elderly and male patients. Clinicians must stay informed about current guidelines and research to provide the best treatment options while minimizing the risk of further AMR development.

Materials-based incidence of urinary catheter associated urinary tract infections and the causative micro-organisms: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Both long (> 30 days) and short-term (≤ 30 days) catheterisation has been associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to the invasive nature of device insertion through the urethra. Catheter associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs) are common (prevalence of ~ 8.5%) infections which can be treated with antibiotics; however, CAUTIs are both expensive to treat and contributes to the antibiotic usage crisis. As catheters are unlikely be replaced for the management of patients' urination, ways of reducing CAUTIs are sought out, using the catheter device itself. The aim of this review is to assess the incidence of CAUTI and the causative micro-organisms when different urinary catheter devices have been used by humans, as reported in published research articles.

METHODS

A Systematic Literature Review was conducted in Ovid Medline, Web of Science and PubMed, to identify studies which investigated the incidence of UTI and the causative micro-organisms, in patients with different urinary catheter devices. The articles were selected based on a strict set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data regarding UTI incidence was extracted and calculated odds ratio were compared across studies and pooled when types of catheters were compared. CAUTI causative micro-organisms, if stated within the research pieces, were also gathered.

RESULTS

A total of 890 articles were identified, but only 26 unique articles met the inclusion/exclusion criteria for this review. Amongst the large cohort there were catheters of materials silicone, latex and PVC and catheter modifications of silver nanoparticles and nitrofurantoin antibiotics. The meta-analysis did not provide a clear choice towards a single catheter against another although silver-based catheters, and silver alloy, appeared to statistically reduce the OR of developing CAUTIs. At genus level the three commonest bacteria identified across the cohort were E. coli, Enterococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. whilst considering only at the genus level, with E. coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Enterococcus faecalis most common at the species-specific level.

CONCLUSIONS

There does not appear to be a catheter type, which can significantly reduce the incidence of CAUTI's in patients requiring catheterisation. Ultimately, this warrants further research to identify and develop a catheter device material that will reduce the incidence for CAUTIs.

Patient and public understanding of antimicrobial resistance: a systematic review and meta-ethnography

Objectives

To further develop an understanding of laypeople's (adult patients and public) beliefs and attitudes toward antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by developing a conceptual model derived from identifying and synthesizing primary qualitative research.

Methods

A systematic search of 12 electronic databases, including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science to identify qualitative primary studies exploring patient and public understanding of AMR published between 2012 and 2022. Included studies were quality appraised and synthesized using Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnographic approach and reported using eMERGe guidance.

Results

Thirteen papers reporting 12 qualitative studies were synthesized. Studies reported data from 466 participants aged 18-90 years. Five themes were identified from these original studies: the responsible patient; when words become meaningless; patient-prescriber relationship; past experience drives antibiotic use; and reframing public perception. These themes supported the development of a conceptual model that illustrates the tension between two different assumptions, that is, how can antibiotics be used for the collective good whilst balancing the immediate needs of individual patients.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that AMR is a distinct ethical issue and should not be viewed purely as a prescribing problem. The meta-ethnography-generated conceptual model illustrates many factors affecting the public's perception of AMR. These include laypeople's own knowledge, beliefs and attitudes around antibiotic use, the relationship with the healthcare provider and the wider context, including the overwhelming influence of the media and public health campaigns. Future research is needed to explore effective health messaging strategies to increase laypeople's baseline awareness of AMR as a public threat.

Behaviour change interventions addressing antibiotic treatment seeking behaviour for respiratory tract infections in primary care settings: A scoping review protocol

Objective

This scoping review aims to synthesise the extent and type of evidence on behaviour change interventions which address antibiotic treatment seeking behaviour for respiratory tract infections in the primary care/community setting.

Introduction

Antimicrobial Resistance is recognised as a global health and economic threat by the World Health Organization and World Bank. Several lines of evidence point to patient and public demand as a key driver of inappropriate antibiotic use. Current policy initiatives acknowledge the need to prepare for the future by managing public expectations regarding antibiotics, especially for influenza-like illness and other respiratory tract infections. These initiatives emphasise the importance of designing and evaluating effective interventions that generate actionable knowledge for policy and practices related to the appropriate use of antibiotics. Behaviour change interventions, in this context, can aim to modify patients' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours regarding antibiotics.

Inclusion criteria

Identified studies will describe behaviour change interventions aimed at potential patients/participants within the primary care/community setting that address patient expectations of antibiotic use for respiratory tract infections. Diagnoses for respiratory tract infections will be classified by ICD-10 criterion.

Methods

This scoping review will search the literature in Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and Google Scholar to explore behaviour change interventions used to reduce expectations of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections in primary care. This review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews. It will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews.

Antibiotic management programme in a tertiary intensive care unit: effects of a carbapenem-restricted period on clinical and laboratory parameters and costs of infections

BACKGROUND

Carbapenems are antibiotics used for serious infections. The consumption of carbapenems has increased worldwide due to increasing microbial resistance.

AIM

To investigate the effects of a carbapenem-restricted antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) on changes in the resistance profiles of infectious agents, the amount of antibiotics used, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), mortality, and costs.

METHODS

Patients hospitalized in ICU between July 1st, 2020 and May 1st, 2021 were divided into two periods: the carbapenem-non-restricted period (CNRP); and the carbapenem-restricted period (CRP) in which alternative antibiotics to carbapenems were preferred during infection. The defined daily dose (DDD) per 100 patient-day methodology was used to calculate the antibiotic consumption.

FINDINGS

Of the 572 patients included in the study, 62.2% were male, and mean age was 70.5 years. In the blood culture the most frequently Gram-negative agent was Acinetobacter baumannii (25%). A. baumannii bloodstream infections with multidrug-resistant and extensively drug resistant micro-organisms were significantly different between the two periods (CNRP: 95.6% (N = 22), CRP: 66.6% (N = 8); P = 0.04). There was a gradual decrease in the incidence density and rate of nosocomial infection (P = 0.06), and a significant decrease in meropenem consumption between the two periods (CNRP vs CRP: 21.19 vs 6.37 DDD per 100 patient-days respectively; P = 0.007). ASP yielded US$8,600 of antibiotic cost savings and a total of 14% patient cost savings (P < 0.05) per patient.

CONCLUSION

Combining an effective ASP with a comprehensive infection control programme may mitigate the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.

Identifying excessive length of antibiotic treatment duration for hospital-acquired infections: a semi-automated approach to support antimicrobial stewardship

BACKGROUND

Avoiding excessive antibiotic treatment duration is a fundamental goal in antimicrobial stewardship. Manual collection of data is a time-consuming process, but a semi-automated approach for data extraction has been shown feasible for community-acquired infections (CAI). Extraction of data however may be more challenging in hospital-acquired infections (HAI). The aim of this study is to explore whether semi-automated data extraction of treatment duration is also feasible and accurate for HAI.

METHODS

Data from a university-affiliated hospital over the period 1-6-2020 until 1-6-2022 was used for this study. From the Electronic Health Record, raw data on prescriptions, registered indications and admissions was extracted and processed to define treatment courses. In addition, clinical notes including prescription instructions were obtained for the purpose of validation. The derived treatment course was compared to the registered indication and the actual length of treatment (LOT) in the clinical notes in a random sample of 5.7% of treatment courses, to assess the accuracy of the data for both CAI and HAI.

RESULTS

Included were 10.564 treatment courses of which 73.1% were CAI and 26.8% HAI. The registered indication matched the diagnosis as recorded in the clinical notes in 79% of treatment courses (79.2% CAI, 78.5% HAI). Higher error rates were seen in urinary tract infections (UTIs) (29.0%) and respiratory tract infections (RTIs) (20.5%) compared to intra-abdominal infections (7.4%), or skin or soft tissue infections (11.1%), mainly due to incorrect specification of the type of UTI or RTI. The LOT was accurately extracted in 98.5% of courses (CAI 98.2%, HAI 99.3%) when compared to prescriptions in the EHR. In 21% of cases however the LOT did not match with the clinical notes, mainly if patients received treatment from other health care providers preceding or following the present course.

CONCLUSION

Semi-automatic data extraction can yield reliable information about the indication and LOT in treatment courses of hospitalized patients, for both HAI and CAI. This can provide stewardship programs with a surveillance tool for all in-hospital treated infections, which can be used to achieve stewardship goals.

Antibiotic Use in Korean Children Diagnosed With Acute Bronchiolitis: Analysis of the National Health Insurance Reimbursement Data

BACKGROUND

Acute bronchiolitis, the most common lower respiratory tract infection in infants, is mostly caused by respiratory viruses. However, antibiotics are prescribed to about 25% of children with acute bronchiolitis. This inappropriate use of antibiotics for viral infections induces antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to determine the antibiotic prescription rate and the factors associated with antibiotic use in children with acute bronchiolitis in Korea, where antibiotic use and resistance rates are high.

METHODS

Healthcare data of children aged < 24 months who were diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis between 2016 and 2019 were acquired from the National Health Insurance system reimbursement claims data. Antibiotic prescription rates and associated factors were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 3,638,424 visits were analyzed. The antibiotic prescription rate was 51.8%, which decreased over time (P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, toddlers (vs. infants), non-capital areas (vs. capital areas), primary clinics and non-tertiary hospitals (vs. tertiary hospitals), inpatients (vs. outpatients), and non-pediatricians (vs. pediatricians) showed a significant association with antibiotic prescription (P < 0.001). Fourteen cities and provinces in the non-capital area exhibited a wide range of antibiotic prescription rates ranging from 41.2% to 65.4%, and five (35.7%) of them showed lower antibiotic prescription rates than that of the capital area.

CONCLUSION

In Korea, the high antibiotic prescription rates for acute bronchiolitis varied by patient age, region, medical facility type, clinical setting, and physician specialty. These factors should be considered when establishing strategies to promote appropriate antibiotic use.

Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of Latin American healthcare workers relating to antibiotic stewardship and antibiotic use: a cross-sectional multi-country study

BACKGROUND

The burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Latin America is high. Little is known about healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of antimicrobial stewardship (AS), AMR, and antibiotic use (AU) in the region.

METHODS

HCWs from 42 hospitals from 5 Latin American countries were invited to take an electronic, voluntary, anonymous survey regarding knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of AS, AMR, and AU between March-April 2023.

FINDINGS

Overall, 996 HCWs completed the survey (52% physicians, 32% nurses, 11% pharmacists, 3% microbiologists, and 2% "other"). More than 90% of respondents indicated optimizing AU was a priority at their healthcare facility (HCF), 69% stated the importance of AS was communicated at their HCF, and 23% were unfamiliar with the term "antibiotic stewardship". Most (> 95%) respondents acknowledged that appropriate AU can reduce AMR; however, few thought AU (< 30%) or AMR (< 50%) were a problem in their HCF. Lack of access to antibiogram and to locally endorsed guidelines was reported by 51% and 34% of HCWs, respectively. Among prescribers, 53% did not consider non-physicians' opinions to make antibiotic-related decisions, 22% reported not receiving education on how to select antibiotics based on culture results and 60% stated patients and families influence their antibiotic decisions.

CONCLUSIONS

Although HCWs perceived improving AU as a priority, they did not perceive AU or AMR as a problem in their HCF. AS opportunities include improved access to guidelines, access to AMR/AU data, teamwork, and education on AS for HCWs and patients and families.

Exploring determinants of antimicrobial prescribing behaviour using the Theoretical Domains Framework

BACKGROUND

Few theoretically-based, qualitative studies have explored determinants of antimicrobial prescribing behaviour in hospitals. Understanding these can promote successful development and implementation of behaviour change interventions (BCIs).

OBJECTIVE

(s): To use the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore determinants of clinicians' antimicrobial prescribing behaviour, identifying barriers (i.e., impediments) and facilitators to appropriate antimicrobial practice.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews with purposively-sampled doctors and pharmacists with a wide range of specialties and expertise in Hamad Medical Corporation hospitals in Qatar. Interviews based on previous quantitative research and the TDF were audio-recorded, transcribed and independently analysed by two researchers using the TDF as an initial coding framework.

RESULTS

Data saturation was achieved after interviewing eight doctors and eight pharmacists. Inter-related determinants of antimicrobial prescribing behaviour linked to ten TDF domains were identified as barriers and facilitators that may contribute to inappropriate or appropriate antimicrobial prescribing. The main barriers identified were around hospital guidelines and electronic system deficiencies (environmental context and resources); knowledge gaps relating to guidelines and appropriate prescribing (knowledge); restricted roles/responsibilities of microbiologists and pharmacists (professional role and identity); challenging antimicrobial prescribing decisions (memory, attention and decision processes); and professional hierarchies and poor multidisciplinary teamworking (social influences). Key facilitators included guidelines compliance (goals and intentions), and participants' beliefs about the consequences of appropriate or inappropriate prescribing. Further education and training, and some changes to guidelines including their accessibility were also considered essential.

CONCLUSIONS

Antimicrobial prescribing behaviour in hospitals is a complex process influenced by a broad range of determinants including specific barriers and facilitators. The in-depth understanding of this complexity provided by this work may support the development of an effective BCI to promote appropriate antimicrobial stewardship.

Use of antimicrobials in pediatric wards of five Brazilian hospitals

The use of antimicrobials (AMs) in pediatric infections is common practice and use may be inappropriate leading to antimicrobial resistance. Off-label AM use is also common in this group and can result in drug-related problems. There is lack of DUR data in Brazil and in Latin America, specially for AM pediatric use. The aim of this study was to describe the utilization of AMs in hospitalized children in five hospitals in Brazil. We conducted an observational study of the utilization of AMs in pediatric wards in hospitals in the states of Ceará (CE), Sergipe (SE), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Rio Grande do Sul (RS) and the Federal District (DF). Data derived from patient medical records and prescriptions were collected over a six-month period in each hospital. The number of AMs used by each patient was recorded, and AM use was assessed using Days of therapy (DOT) and Length of therapy (LOT) per 1000 patient days according to different patient characteristics. Off-label (OL) use was described according to age. The study analyzed data from 1020 patients. The sex and age distributions were similar across the five hospitals. However, differences were found for comorbidities, history of ICU admission and length of hospital stay. The most common diseases were respiratory tract infections. There were wide variations in DOT/1000PD (278-517) and LOT/1000PD (265-390). AM utilization was highest in the hospital in SE. The consumption of second-generation penicillins and cephalosporins was high. The prevalence of OL use of AMs was higher for patients in the RJ hospital, in infants, in patients who underwent prolonged hospital stays, and in patients who used multiple AMs. The AM that showed the highest prevalence of OL use was azithromycin, in both oral and parenteral formulations. Overall AM use was high and showed differences in each setting, possibly influenced by local characteristics and by prescribing standards adopted by pediatricians.

Pharmacist insights into antimicrobial stewardship: A social marketing approach

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide public health problem. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) optimize antimicrobial use within hospitals. The social marketing framework has been used in analyzing systems and devising best practices.

OBJECTIVE

(s): To use the social marketing framework to explore pharmacist experiences and perceptions of structural, behavioral and interventional strategies that support ASPs.

METHODS

A qualitative approach utilizing semi-structured individual interviews was utilized. A purposive sample of hospital pharmacists was invited to participate. An interview guide was constructed to describe participant experience and perceptions regarding ASPs in their institutions based on elements of social marketing: Behavioral goals; Customer Insight; Segmentation and Targeting; Competition; Exchange; and Marketing and Interventional mix. Interviews were recorded digitally and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted using deductive methods. A combination of case-based and code-based approaches allowed individual and holistic analyses respectively. Codes were collated into themes and subthemes.

RESULTS

Saturation of themes occurred with 25 interviews from 17 hospitals. ASP metrics included: consumption of antibiotics using days of therapy and defined daily dose, rates of C. difficile and multidrug resistant organisms, resistance patterns, and provider adherence to the ASP. Active stewardship tools such as preauthorization, and prospective feedback/audit were preferred over passive tools such as order sets and automatic stop orders. A physician champion and a clinical pharmacist with infectious disease training were core elements in the multidisciplinary team. Despite certain areas being considered key for stewardship, participants emphasized a hospital-wide approach including outpatient departments; discharge stewardship emerged as a primary theme. Leadership supported ASPs with finances, rapid and novel diagnostics, Clinical Decision Support Systems, mobile technology, and continuous staff training.

CONCLUSIONS

The social marketing framework has been used to explore pharmacist perceptions that inform successful qualities including metrics, restriction methods, personnel, benefits, barriers, training needs/modes, and promotional avenues that support ASPs in hospitals.

Social and cultural determinants of antibiotics prescriptions: analysis from a public community health centre in North India

This paper explores the socio cultural and institutional determinants of irresponsible prescription and use of antibiotics which has implications for the rise and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study describes the patterns of prescription of antibiotics in a public facility in India and identifies the underlying institutional, cultural and social determinants driving the irresponsible use of antibiotics. The analysis is based on an empirical investigation of patients' prescriptions that reach the in-house pharmacy following an outpatient department (OPD) encounter with the clinician. The prescription analysis describes the factors associated with use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and a high percentage of prescriptions for dental outpatient department prescribed as a precautionary measure. This paper further highlights the need for future research insights in combining socio-cultural approach with medical rationalities, to further explore questions our analysis highlights like higher antibiotic prescription, etc., Along with the recommendations for further research.

Implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs: A study of prescribers' perspective of facilitators and barriers

BACKGROUND

Despite promising signs of the benefits associated with Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs), there remains limited knowledge on how to implement ASPs in peculiar settings for a more elaborate impact. This study explored prescriber experiences and perceptions of the usefulness, and feasibility of strategies employed for the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions as well as challenges encountered.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional mixed-method survey of prescribers' perspective of the facilitators and barriers of implementing ASP. The quantitative approach comprised of a semi-structured questionnaire and data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 26 while the qualitative approach used focus group discussions followed by content analysis.

RESULTS

Out of the thirty people that participated in the workshop, twenty-five completed the questionnaires which were analyzed. The respondents included 15 (60.0%) medical doctors and 10 (40.0%) pharmacists. The mean age of the respondents was 36.39±7.23 years with mean year of practice of 9.48±6.01 years. Majority of them (84.0%) were in a position to provide input on the implementation of AMS in their facilities, although their managements had the final decision. The pharmacists (100%) were more likely to agree that antibiotic resistance was a problem for their practice than the medical doctors (78.6%) while equal number (80.0%) of respondents (pharmacists and medical doctors) believed that inappropriate prescribing was a problem. Having a specialized and dedicated team with effective monitoring was recognized as crucial for effective ASP while inadequate personnel was identified as a major barrier. We identified stakeholder's engagement, policies and regulation, as well as education as themes for improving AMS in the country.

CONCLUSION

The results gave insight into the prescribers' perspective on the facilitators and barriers to antimicrobial stewardship; challenges and possible solutions to implementing ASPs in health facilities in Lagos State. We further identified pertinent contextual factors that need to be addressed when developing ASPs in healthcare facilities in a resource-poor setting.

Fluoroquinolone resistance in urinary tract infections: Epidemiology, mechanisms of action and management strategies

Background

Fluoroquinolone resistance is an issue of concern amongst physicians worldwide. In urology, fluoroquinolones are often used in the treatment of acute pyelonephritis and prostatitis, as well as infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Aims

We aim to highlight the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and the need for ongoing biomedical research to discover novel agents in our losing battle against resistant pathogens.

Materials and methods

In this review, we survey the literature and summarise fluoroquinolone resistance as it pertains to pyelonephritis and prostatitis, as well as alternative treatment strategies and prevention of multidrug resistance.

Results

The rise of fluoroquinolone resistance in bacteria has reduced the available treatment options, often necessitating hospital admission for intravenous antibiotics, which places an additional burden on both patients and the healthcare system. Many countries such as Australia have attempted to limit fluoroquinolone resistance by imposing strict prescribing criteria, though these efforts have not been entirely successful. Solutions to overcome resistance include prevention, combination therapy and the development of novel antimicrobial agents.

Conclusions

Prevention of the proliferation of resistant organisms by antimicrobial stewardship is paramount, and urologists are obliged to be aware of responsible prescribing practices such as referring to local guidelines when prescribing. By reserving fluoroquinolones for infections in which they are truly indicated and by prescribing based on both patient and local environmental factors, we can preserve this effective resource for future use.

Gram negative bacteria related urinary tract infections: spectrum of antimicrobial resistance over 9 years in a University tertiary referral Hospital

Objective

Overuse of antibiotics has led to an increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) worldwide, with a negative impact on the healthcare system and the patients. In this context, our study aims to assess the current AMR patterns of urinary tract infections (UTIs) associated to Gram-negative bacteria. Thus, we provide useful information for doctors dealing with prophylactic and therapeutic empiric therapies.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analysed more than 650,000 urine cultures collected in the Microbiology Department of a referral University Hospital of Southern England from January 2014 to December 2022.

Results

AMR spectra for 164,059 Gram-negative associated (UTIs) were analysed. The lowest percentage of resistance was found for Amikacin (2.30%), Gentamicin (5.89%) and Co-Amoxiclav (10.49%). Over a 9-year time, there was no significant change in resistance to Amikacin (2.04% in 2014 compared to 2.18% in 2022; p = 0.602) and to Fosfomycin (11.50% in 2014 versus 16.65% in 2022; p = 0.577). Overall, the trend of AMR significantly rose for Cefalexin (17.96-18.42%; p < 0.0001), Co-amoxiclav (9.46-12.69%; p < 0.0001), Nitrofurantoin (10.20-14.18%; p < 0.0001) and Piperacillin/Tazobactam (14.52-18.96%; p < 0.0001). Gram-negative resistance spectrum towards Ciprofloxacin (11.83-9.01%; p < 0.0001), Gentamicin (6.29-5.26%; p < 0.0001), Pivmecillinam (26.88-11.02%; p < 0.0001), Trimethoprim (36.72-29.23%; p < 0.0001) and Ampicillin/Amoxicillin (65.20-57.99%; p < 0.0001) significantly decreased.

Conclusion

Despite the application of national and international guidelines for prophylaxis and treatment of UTIs, the spectrum of resistance for the most common antibiotics is still changing. Clinicians in primary and secondary care must keep that in mind when prescribing antibiotics for suspected UTI and sepsis associated with Gram-negative infections Up-to-date therapeutic strategies can help implement treatment of UTI, reducing selection of multi-resistant pathogens and providing more accurate care for patients. Future studies will be required to help clinicians and keep the guidelines updated.

A qualitative evaluation of frontline clinician perspectives toward antibiotic stewardship programs

OBJECTIVE

To examine the perspectives of caregivers that are not part of the antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) leadership team (eg, physicians, nurses, and clinical pharmacists), but who interact with ASPs in their role as frontline healthcare workers.

DESIGN

Qualitative semistructured interviews.

SETTING

The study was conducted in 2 large national healthcare systems including 7 hospitals in the Veterans' Health Administration and 4 hospitals in Intermountain Healthcare.

PARTICIPANTS

We interviewed 157 participants. The current analysis includes 123 nonsteward clinicians: 47 physicians, 26 pharmacists, 29 nurses, and 21 hospital leaders.

METHODS

Interviewers utilized a semistructured interview guide based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), which was tailored to the participant's role in the hospital as it related to ASPs. Qualitative analysis was conducted using a codebook based on the CFIR.

RESULTS

We identified 4 primary perspectives regarding ASPs. (1) Non-ASP pharmacists considered antibiotic stewardship activities to be a high priority despite the added burden to work duties: (2) Nurses acknowledged limited understanding of ASP activities or involvement with these programs; (3) Physicians criticized ASPs for their restrictions on clinical autonomy and questioned the ability of antibiotic stewards to make recommendations without the full clinical picture; And (4) hospital leaders expressed support for ASPs and recognized the unique challenges faced by non-ASP clinical staff.

CONCLUSION

Further understanding these differing perspectives of ASP implementation will inform possible ways to improve ASP implementation across clinical roles.

A Systematic Review on Postoperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis after Pediatric and Adult Male Urethral Reconstruction

In the era of antibiotic overuse and increasing antibiotic resistance, there is a gap in evidence regarding antibiotic stewardship, and in particular, perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis after urethral reconstruction. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis after male pediatric and adult urethral reconstruction. An online search of MEDLINE database via PubMed was performed. The systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022348555) and was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and AMSTAR 2 checklist. A narrative synthesis of included studies was performed. After the screening of 1176 publications, six studies regarding antibiotic prophylaxis after hypospadias reconstruction and two studies regarding antibiotic prophylaxis after urethroplasty in adults were eligible to be included in the systematic review. All but one of the studies on hypospadias repair showed no benefit from postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis. The level of evidence on postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis after urethroplasty in adults is low. Neither of the two studies included in the review showed a benefit from antibiotic use. Postoperative prophylaxis after hypospadias repair is not effective in preventing urinary tract infections and wound infections. It seems that the use of postoperative prophylaxis after urethroplasty in adults is also not beneficial, but there is a high need for high-quality scientific data.

Exploring the Preferences of the Australian Public for Antibiotic Treatments: A Discrete Choice Experiment

OBJECTIVES

Identify Australian public preferences for antibiotic treatments in the context of antibiotic stewardship.

METHODS

A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted in Australia to investigate the importance of seven attributes associated with antibiotic treatments and related stewardship practices: contribution to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), treatment duration, side effects, days needed to recover, days before taking antibiotics, treatment failure and out-of-pocket costs. The DCE data were analysed using conditional logit, mixed logit and latent class conditional logit models. The relative importance of each attribute was calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 1882 respondents completed the survey; the main study sample consist of 1658 respondents (mean age 48 years) who passed quality checks. All seven attributes significantly influenced respondents' preferences for antibiotic treatments. Based on the designed attribute levels in the DCE, on average, out-of-pocket costs (32.8%) and contribution to antibiotic resistance (30.3%) were the most important attributes, followed by side effects (12.9%). Days before starting medication was least important (3.9%). Three latent classes were identified. Class 1 (including respondents who were more likely to be older and more health literate; 24.5%) gave contribution to antibiotic resistance greater importance in treatment preferences. Class 2 (including respondents more likely to report poorer health; 25.2%) gave out-of-pocket costs greater importance. The remaining (50.4%), who were generally healthier, perceived side effects as the most important attribute.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite concerted public awareness raising campaigns, our results suggest that several factors may influence the preferences of Australians when considering antibiotic use. However, for those more likely to be aware of the need to preserve antibiotics, out-of-pocket costs and limiting the contribution to antibiotic resistance are the dominant influence. Delays in starting treatment were not important for any latent class, suggesting public tolerance for this measure. These results could help inform strategies to promote prudent antibiotic stewardship.

Predictors of urinary tract infection after lower gastrointestinal surgery

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) cause postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing lower gastrointestinal (GI) surgery that can prolong postoperative hospital stays. In patients with a fever of unknown origin (FUO), clinicians ignore what to do while waiting for the results of the urine culture test. This study aimed to develop a nomogram predicting UTI in the case of postoperative FUO.

METHODS

This observational, retrospective study included all consecutive patients from 1 November 2020 to 1 November 2021 undergoing lower-GI surgery at the Chirurgia Generale 3, University Hospital of Padua, Italy. A nomogram was created and externally validated in 90 consecutive patients undergoing urine culture tests for FUO at the Chirurgia Oncologica Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology.

RESULTS

In the development cohort, 109 (N = 109) patients performed a urine culture test for FUO, and 39 were diagnosed with UTI. In a multivariate analysis of patients who underwent urine culture tests for FUO, UTI was associated with female sex, older age, and duration of catheterization at the date of the urine culture test. We developed a nomogram to predict UTI in surgical patients with a C-index of 0.76. In the validation cohort, 90 consecutive patients, who had lower-GI surgery, underwent a urine culture test for FUO and were tested with this nomogram. In the validation cohort, the C-index of the nomogram for predicting a positive urine culture test was 0.71.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

UTIs are a common problem in patients undergoing lower-GI surgery. A nomogram including the major risk factors may help to reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics during the period awaiting the result of the urine culture test.

Infections in Children with Cancer Admitted in an Oncology Reference Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study

Pediatric oncology patients are usually immunosuppressed due to factors such as the neoplasm and its treatment, making them more susceptible to infections. This article aims to determine the infection profile of pediatric oncology patients admitted to an oncology reference hospital in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. A retrospective and cross-sectional study was conducted, collecting data from patients hospitalized due to infection in a pediatric oncology unit exclusively for the Brazilian public health system, spanning from 2018 to 2021. A total of 168 episodes of infections were identified in 96 patients, resulting in 157 hospitalizations. Among the patients with infections, 62.4% had hematological malignancies, and out of these cases, 74.6% specifically had Acute Lymphoid Leukemia. The Escherichia coli (31.9%) was the most prevalent microorganism isolated from the samples. Multidrug-resistant microorganisms accounted for 52% of all identified microorganisms. Fluoroquinolones and beta-lactam were the most prevalent antibiotic classes in the analyzed antibiograms. Factors such as Sex, type of cancer, chemotherapy in the last 30 days, were found to be associated with the occurrence of infection (p < 0.05). Conducting epidemiological studies regarding infections in pediatric oncology is crucial to development of empirical protocols, and the implementation of strategies to better control future infections.

Antimicrobial use among paediatric inpatients at hospital sites within the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program, 2017/2018

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial resistance threatens the ability to successfully prevent and treat infections. While hospital benchmarks regarding antimicrobial use (AMU) have been well documented among adult populations, there is less information from among paediatric inpatients. This study presents benchmark rates of antimicrobial use (AMU) for paediatric inpatients in nine Canadian acute-care hospitals.

METHODS

Acute-care hospitals participating in the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program submitted annual AMU data from paediatric inpatients from 2017 and 2018. All systemic antimicrobials were included. Data were available for neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), pediatric ICUs (PICUs), and non-ICU wards. Data were analyzed using days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 patient days (DOT/1000pd).

RESULTS

Nine hospitals provided paediatric AMU data. Data from seven NICU and PICU wards were included. Overall AMU was 481 (95% CI 409-554) DOT/1000pd. There was high variability in AMU between hospitals. AMU was higher on PICU wards (784 DOT/1000pd) than on non-ICU (494 DOT/1000pd) or NICU wards (333 DOT/1000pd). On non-ICU wards, the antimicrobials with the highest use were cefazolin (66 DOT/1000pd), ceftriaxone (59 DOT/1000pd) and piperacillin-tazobactam (48 DOT/1000pd). On PICU wards, the antimicrobials with the highest use were ceftriaxone (115 DOT/1000pd), piperacillin-tazobactam (115 DOT/1000pd), and cefazolin (111 DOT/1000pd). On NICU wards, the antimicrobials with the highest use were ampicillin (102 DOT/1000pd), gentamicin/tobramycin (78 DOT/1000pd), and cefotaxime (38 DOT/1000pd).

CONCLUSIONS

This study represents the largest collection of antimicrobial use data among hospitalized paediatric inpatients in Canada to date. In 2017/2018, overall AMU was 481 DOT/1000pd. National surveillance of AMU among paediatric inpatients is necessary for establishing benchmarks and informing antimicrobial stewardship efforts.

Why Veterinarians (Do Not) Adhere to the Clinical Practice Streptococcus suis in Weaned Pigs Guideline: A Qualitative Study

The Netherlands has been very successful in the last decade in reducing antimicrobial use in animals. On about a quarter of farms, antimicrobial use in weaned pigs remains relatively high. As Streptococcus suis (S. suis) infections are responsible for a high consumption of antimicrobials, a specific veterinary guideline to control S. suis was developed, but seemed to be poorly adopted by veterinarians. Guided by the theoretical domains framework, the aim of this study was to identify determinants influencing veterinarians' adherence to this guideline. We interviewed 13 pig veterinarians. Interviewees described multiple approaches to managing S. suis problems and adherence to the guideline. Mentioned determinants could be categorized into 12 theoretical domains. The following six domains were mentioned in all interviews: knowledge, skills, beliefs about capabilities, beliefs about consequences, social influences, and environmental context and resources. The insights derived from this study are relevant for understanding factors influencing veterinarians' adoption of scientific evidence and guidelines and can be used to develop evidence-based implementation strategies for veterinary guidelines.

Patient expectations do matter - Experimental evidence on antibiotic prescribing decisions among hospital-based physicians

BACKGROUND

The global public health crisis of antibiotic resistance is being driven in part by over prescription of antibiotics. We aimed to assess the relative weight of patient expectations, clinical uncertainty, and past behaviour on hospital-based physicians' antibiotic prescribing decisions.

METHODS

A discrete choice experiment was administered among hospital-based physicians in Tuscany, Italy. Respondents were asked to choose in which of two clinical scenarios they would be more likely to prescribe antibiotics, with the two cases differing in levels of clinical uncertainty, patient expectations, and the physician's past behaviour. We fitted a conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

Respondents included 1,436 hospital-based physicians. Results show that the odds of prescribing antibiotics decrease when a patient requests it (OR=0.80, 95%CI [0.72,0.89]) and increase when the physician has prescribed antibiotics to a patient under similar circumstances previously (OR=1.15, 95%CI [1.03,1.27]). We found no significant effect of clinical uncertainty on the odds of prescribing antibiotics (OR=0.96, 95%CI [0.87, 1.07]).

CONCLUSIONS

We show that patient expectation has a significant negative association with antibiotic prescribing among hospital-based physicians. Our findings speak to the importance of cultural context in shaping the physician's disposition when confronted with patient expectations. We suggest shared decision-making to improve prudent prescribing without compromising on patient satisfaction.

Development of Antimicrobial Defined Daily Dose (DDD) for the Pediatric Population

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) optimize antimicrobial use, improve patient outcomes, and reduce resistance. To assess the effectiveness of ASPs, it is necessary to have indicators that can be widely used. Defined daily dose (DDD) was designed by WHO for the adult population as a consumption indicator. However, there are no DDDs adapted to the pediatric population. The main objective of this study is to establish the most appropriate DDD values in this population. An observational, retrospective, multicenter study was conducted. Antimicrobial prescriptions were collected from pediatric wards of seven Spanish tertiary hospitals for 2 years. The DDDs obtained from the prescriptions were compared with the theoretical DDDs agreed upon in the first stage. To select the optimal DDD, the following were analyzed: power value, magnitude obtained from the differences in the DDD, statistical significance, and degree of agreement in the stipulated doses. A total of 4788 prescriptions were collected. Pediatric DDD was defined for 30 different antimicrobials. A potency >80% was obtained in 24 antibiotics. 51.2% of the selected DDD correspond to Phase I and 39.5% from Phase II. Pediatric DDD of different antimicrobials was obtained, providing an indicator that can be used globally in different hospitals to analyze the consumption and efficacy of ASPs.

Psychological and cultural factors influencing antibiotic prescription

Humans have inundated the environment worldwide with antimicrobials for about one century, giving selective advantage to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, antibiotic resistance has become a public health problem responsible for increased mortality and extended hospital stays because the efficacy of antibiotics has diminished. Hospitals and other clinical settings have implemented stewardship measures to reduce antibiotic administration and prescription. However, these measures demand multifactorial approaches, including multidisciplinary teams in clinical settings and the education of professionals and patients. Recent studies indicate that individual factors, such as mother-infant attachment and parenting styles, play a critical role in antibiotic use. Also, macrocontextual factors, such as economic, social, or cultural backgrounds, may impact antibiotic use rates. Therefore, research aiming to ameliorate stewardship measures must include psychologically and sociologically based research.

Assessing the use of antibiotics in pediatric patients hospitalized for varicella

BACKGROUND

Varicella is considered a mild and self-limiting disease, but, in some cases, it may complicate and require hospitalization. Antibiotics are not the first line therapy but in some cases are prescribed either for the management of varicella-related complications or as a preventive strategy. Aim of this study is to analyze the rate and the patterns of antibiotics used in pediatric patients hospitalized for varicella as well as the relative costs in order to increase insights in antibiotic use in varicella.

METHODS

Patients less than 18 years hospitalized for varicella at the Bambino Gesù Children's IRCCS Hospital in Rome, Italy, from the 1st of November 2005 to the 1st of November 2021 entered the study. Retrospective data were collected from the hospital's database electronic medical records. The rate, the patterns and the costs of antibiotics used were considered.

RESULTS

According to the inclusion criteria, we enrolled 810 patients, with a median age of 2.4 years. Out of them, 345 patients (42.6%) underwent antibiotic therapy, of which 307 for a complication (90.0%) and the other 10.0%, antibiotic for the fear of developing complications. The cost for varicella hospitalizations was EUR 2,928,749 (median cost EUR 2689). As for antibiotic therapy, it represented the 5.9% of the total cost (EUR 174,527), with a median cost of EUR 198.8. The cost in patients who underwent antibiotic therapy was significantly higher than in those who did not (p-value < 0.0001), as well as the hospitalization length (p-value < 0.0001). The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were Amoxicillin-clavulanate and Ceftriaxone, which represented the 36.0% and 25.0% of all antibiotic prescription, respectively. Antibiotics may negatively affect the economic cost of hospitalization and the prescription is not always in accordance to guidelines, with potential important repercussions on the development of antimicrobial resistance. Actually, resistance to antibiotics is considered a major risk to the future health of the world population as it may lead to longer hospital stay, increased risk of mortality, health care costs and treatment failures.

CONCLUSION

Strategies to reduce economical cost, hospitalization length and antimicrobial resistance include ensuring appropriate prescription and administration of empiric antibiotics as well as reducing the circulation of preventable infectious diseases through immunization.

Determinants of prescribing decisions for off-patent biological medicines in Belgium: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

A competitive market for off-patent biologicals leads to more affordable and high-quality healthcare. In recent years, Belgium has been characterized by its low use of biosimilars and by its shifts from off-patent biologicals toward new alternative therapies. Yet, the prescribing decisions involved in these observations are poorly understood. This study aims to better understand prescribing choices among Belgian physicians in the ambulatory care setting.

METHODS

This study consisted of two phases. First, a scoping literature review to identify determinants of prescribing choices was conducted. Scientific databases (Embase and PubMed) were searched until 4 November 2021. Second, the nominal group technique (NGT) was employed during focus group discussions with Belgian physicians to consider and validate these determinants for off-patent biologicals in the Belgian context. The qualitative data resulting from the literature review and focus group discussions were analyzed using the thematic framework method.

RESULTS

Fifty-three scientific articles that discussed elements that determine prescribing choices were identified. Out of these, 17 determinants of prescribing choices were found. These were divided into five categories: (1) product-related, (2) physicians' personal, (3) healthcare system-related, (4) patient-related, and (5) determinants related to the pharmaceutical company or brand. Nineteen Belgian physicians from different therapeutic areas that regularly prescribe biologicals then participated in focus group discussions. Using the NGT, the group discussions revealed that prescribing choices for off-patent biologicals are determined by a complex set of elements. Clinical data, geographical region, working environment, pharmaceutical marketing, patient profile, clinical guidelines, and preference of key opinion leaders (KOL) were considered most influential. Physicians indicated that the importance of these determinants differs depending on product classes or therapeutic domain.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple elements determine the choice of an off-patent biological or biosimilar product. The importance of each of these determinants varies depending on the context in which the prescribing choice is made. To increase the prescription of best-value biologicals in the Belgian ambulatory care, a set of synergistic measures is required including information for healthcare providers (HCP) and patients, prescribing feedback, prescribing targets, tangible incentives, KOL involvement, guidelines regarding pharmaceutical promotion, and regular revision of reimbursement modalities.

Medical interns' views on the strategies for reducing antibiotic misuse in the hospitals-what guidelines do they follow?

Objectives

Although the topic of antibiotic misuse is taught in medical schools, interns (fresh medical graduates) still encounter barriers to appropriate antibiotic prescription when they practice in hospitals under supervision. The impact of teaching in medical school, antibiotics stewardship program (ASP), and prescription guidelines was uncertain. This study explored the medical interns' views on antibiotic use and resistance, and their perceived enablers to appropriate antibiotic prescription.

Methods

Two focus groups were conducted among medical interns with rotation experiences in different public hospitals of Hong Kong. The identified themes about attitudes to antibiotic resistance and enablers to appropriate antibiotic prescription were further examined by a questionnaire survey with 77 respondents.

Results

The interns had lower preferences for tackling antibiotic resistance as they feared of delayed prescriptions. Guidelines provided by international evidence-based clinical resources and the interns' working hospitals were stronger enablers to appropriate antibiotic use than education materials from schools and the government. Qualitative findings revealed that the interns were aware of the existing ASP but doubted its effectiveness as it failed to get the prescribers' attention. They followed guidelines in their wards but perceived guidelines from local health authorities user-unfriendly. Knowledge from medical school was not very applicable. Varying prescribing practices between hospitals and the densely placed hospital beds made it difficult to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Conclusions

Minimizing delayed prescription is of a higher priority than tackling antibiotic resistance in medical interns' perspective. Interventions should target guidelines in hospitals and simplify the interface of local guidelines.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria isolated from urine cultures in Southern Turkey

Background

Pathogen spectrum and antibiotic susceptibility patterns vary in different regions and should consider the empirical treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Information on susceptibility is the basis for providing reliable treatment. This study aimed to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria isolated from urine cultures at Çukurova State Hospital, which is located south of Turkey and east of the Mediterranean region.

Materials and methods

Urine culture results were retrospectively evaluated between April 2018 and January 2021. Variables, such as age, sex, and medical department, were also recorded. Inclusion criteria were patients aged at least 18 years with pathogenic bacterial growth in their urine cultures. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and bacterial identification were performed using the VITEK 2 automated system.

Results

Of 12,288 urine samples, 2033 (16.5%) had pathogenic growth. The rates of bacterial and yeast growth were 93.3% and 6.7%, respectively. Gram-negative pathogens constituted 91.6% of the cohort. The most prevalent bacteria were Escherichia coli with a 66% rate, followed by Klebsiella (14.2%). According to our results, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and ampicillin are not suitable for empirical treatment of UTIs, whereas nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin are rational options.

Conclusions

Uropathogens exhibit an increased resistance rate against ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and ciprofloxacin. Nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, and ceftazidime have better efficacy than other investigated antibiotics in urine culture against common uropathogens and are suitable for empirical treatment of UTI.

Key Factors that Promote Low-Value Care: Views of Experts From the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands

BACKGROUND

Around the world, policies and interventions are used to encourage clinicians to reduce low-value care. In order to facilitate this, we need a better understanding of the factors that lead to low-value care. We aimed to identify the key factors affecting low-value care on a national level. In addition, we highlight differences and similarities in three countries.

METHODS

We performed 18 semi-structured interviews with experts on low-value care from three countries that are actively reducing low-value care: the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands. We interviewed 5 experts from Canada, 6 from the United States, and 7 from the Netherlands. Eight were organizational leaders or policy-makers, 6 as low-value care researchers or project leaders, and 4 were both. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The key factors that promote low-value care are the payment system, the pharmaceutical and medical device industry, fear of malpractice litigation, biased evidence and knowledge, medical education, and a 'more is better' culture. These factors are seen as the most important in the United States, Canada and the Netherlands, although there are several differences between these countries in their payment structure, and industry and malpractice policy.

CONCLUSION

Policy-makers and researchers that aim to reduce low-value care have experienced that clinicians face a mix of interdependent factors regarding the healthcare system and culture that lead them to provide low-value care. Better awareness and understanding of these factors can help policy-makers to facilitate clinicians and medical centers to deliver high-value care.

Why we prescribe antibiotics for too long in the hospital setting: a systematic scoping review

BACKGROUND

In daily hospital practice, antibiotic therapy is commonly prescribed for longer than recommended in guidelines. Understanding the key drivers of prescribing behaviour is crucial to generate meaningful interventions to bridge this evidence-to-practice gap.

OBJECTIVES

To identify behavioural determinants that might prevent or enable improvements in duration of antibiotic therapy in daily practice.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science for relevant studies that were published between January 2000 and August 2021. All qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method studies in adults in a hospital setting that reported determinants of antibiotic therapy duration were included.

RESULTS

Twenty-two papers were included in this review. A first set of studies provided 82 behavioural determinants that shape how health professionals make decisions about duration; most of these were related to individual health professionals' knowledge, skills and cognitions, and to professionals' interactions. A second set of studies provided 17 determinants that point to differences in duration regarding various pathogens, diseases, or patient, professional or hospital department characteristics, but do not explain why or how these differences occur.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited literature is available describing a wide range of determinants that influence duration of antibiotic therapy in daily practice. This review provides a stepping stone for the development of stewardship interventions to optimize antibiotic therapy duration, but more research is warranted. Stewardship teams must develop complex improvement interventions to address the wide variety of behavioural determinants, adapted to the specific pathogen, disease, patient, professional and/or hospital department involved.

Tipping the balance: A systematic review and meta-ethnography to unfold the complexity of surgical antimicrobial prescribing behavior in hospital settings

Surgical specialties account for a high proportion of antimicrobial use in hospitals, and misuse has been widely reported resulting in unnecessary patient harm and antimicrobial resistance. We aimed to synthesize qualitative studies on surgical antimicrobial prescribing behavior, in hospital settings, to explain how and why contextual factors act and interact to influence practice. Stakeholder engagement was integrated throughout to ensure consideration of varying interpretive repertoires and that the findings were clinically meaningful. The meta-ethnography followed the seven phases outlined by Noblit and Hare. Eight databases were systematically searched without date restrictions. Supplementary searches were performed including forwards and backwards citation chasing and contacting first authors of included papers to highlight further work. Following screening, 14 papers were included in the meta-ethnography. Repeated reading of this work enabled identification of 48 concepts and subsequently eight overarching concepts: hierarchy; fear drives action; deprioritized; convention trumps evidence; complex judgments; discontinuity of care; team dynamics; and practice environment. The overarching concepts interacted to varying degrees but there was no consensus among stakeholders regarding an order of importance. Further abstraction of the overarching concepts led to the development of a conceptual model and a line-of-argument synthesis, which posits that social and structural mediators influence individual complex antimicrobial judgements and currently skew practice towards increased and unnecessary antimicrobial use. Crucially, our model provides insights into how we might ‘tip the balance’ towards more evidence-based antimicrobial use. Currently, healthcare workers deploy antimicrobials across the surgical pathway as a safety net to allay fears, reduce uncertainty and risk, and to mitigate against personal blame. Our synthesis indicates that prescribing is unlikely to change until the social and structural mediators driving practice are addressed. Furthermore, it suggests that research specifically exploring the context for effective and sustainable quality improvement stewardship initiatives in surgery is now urgent.

Antimicrobial resistance control in the emergency department: a need for concrete improvement

BACKGROUND

Rational use of antibiotics (AB) and infection prevention and control (IPC) are key measures for reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in healthcare. Nonetheless, transferring evidence into clinical practice in emergency medicine has proven difficult. The extent to which structural requirements for implementing AMR control exist in German emergency departments (ED) was determined in a survey.

METHODS

Aspects of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and IPC implementation were surveyed within the German Association for Emergency Medicine (Deutsche Gesellschaft interdisziplinäre Notfall- und Akutmedizin e.V, DGINA) in 2018. Data were collected using an anonymous online questionnaire on ED characteristics, ED-based-link personnel for IPC and AMS, education and training, process monitoring and specific requirements for AMS and IPC as availability of AMR data and alcohol-based hand rub (AHR) consumption data. Data were analysed descriptively.

RESULTS

66 EDs with in median [interquartile range (IQR)] of 30,900 [23,000; 40,000] patient visits participated in the survey. EDs' healthcare worker (HCW) received regular training on hand hygiene (HH) in 67% and on AMS in 20% of EDs. Surveillance of AHR consumption was performed by 73% EDs, surveillance of AB consumption by 64%. Regular audits on HH were performed in 39%. Training and audit activities, showed no significant variations according to EDs' organizational characteristics. HCWs received immediate feedback of HH performance in 29%, in 23% a regular structured feedback of HH was provided. ED-based physicians with (1) specific IPC responsibilities and training were available in 61%, with (2) AMS training and responsibility in 15%. 83% had ED based IPC link nurses with precise ICP responsibilities in place. Essentially resistance data existed at the hospital level (74%) rather than at ED- or regional level (15% and 14% respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Management of AMR varies in German EDs, especially in accordance to hospital size and level of emergency care. IPC seems to receive more attention than AMS. Our data indicate the need for more implementation of regular IPC and AMS training in connection with monitoring and feedback in German EDs.

A semi-supervised decision support system to facilitate antibiotic stewardship for urinary tract infections

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are among the most frequently occurring infections in the hospital. Urinalysis and urine culture are the main tools used for diagnosis. Whereas urinalysis is sufficiently sensitive for detecting UTI, it has a relatively low specificity, leading to unnecessary treatment with antibiotics and the risk of increasing antibiotic resistance. We performed an evaluation of the current diagnostic process with an expert-based label for UTI as outcome, retrospectively established using data from the Electronic Health Records. We found that the combination of urinalysis results with the Gram stain and other readily available parameters can be used effectively for predicting UTI. Based on the obtained information, we engineered a clinical decision support system (CDSS) using the reliable semi-supervised ensemble learning (RESSEL) method, and found it to be more accurate than urinalysis or the urine culture for prediction of UTI. The CDSS provides clinicians with this prediction within hours of ordering a culture and thereby enables them to hold off on prematurely prescribing antibiotics for UTI while awaiting the culture results.

Appropriateness of Antibiotic Prescribing in Hospitalized Children: A Focus on the Real-World Scenario of the Different Paediatric Subspecialties

Background: Antibiotics are prescribed for children both in hospital and community settings, particularly at preschool age. Italy shows a high rate of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions which may represent a serious problem in the hospital scenario. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing in the context of different paediatric subspecialties in a hospital setting.

Methods: Antibiotics prescribing was retrospectively analysed in paediatric patients (0–18 years) admitted in the emergency paediatrics, general paediatrics, paediatric nephrology and rheumatology units between January and December 2019. Patients were stratified by age in neonates, infants, toddlers, children and adolescents. Assessments were conducted by trained local assessors and appropriateness was classified as appropriate, inappropriate and not assessable.

Results: Empirical antibiotics were mainly prescribed following a diagnosis of respiratory, gastrointestinal and/or urinary infection. A total of 825 antibiotic prescriptions were recorded in the three subspecialties; 462 antibiotic prescriptions (56%) out of 825 were assessed as inappropriate and 55 prescriptions (6.7%) were not assessable. Inappropriateness considerably varied within subspecialties: the risk of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing was higher in emergency paediatrics and general paediatric than in children, according to age. Ceftriaxone and clarithromycin were the most inappropriate prescribed antibiotics in the emergency paediatrics whereas amoxicillin/clavulanic acid represented the most inappropriate antibiotic prescribed in general paediatrics.

Conclusion: The present data may be useful in order to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in the paediatric setting; antibiotic stewardship and clinical improvement programs in hospital paediatric care are strongly recommended.

Thank Martin Luther that ciprofloxacin could cure your gonorrhoea? Ecological association between Protestantism and antimicrobial consumption in 30 European countries

Background: Higher consumption of antimicrobials plays an important role in driving the higher prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Southern compared to Northern Europe. Poor controls on corruption (CoC), high uncertainty avoidance (UA) and performance vs. cooperation orientation (POCO) of societies have been found to explain much of this higher consumption in Southern European countries.  We hypothesized that these predictors were in turn influenced by the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century onwards. Methods: We used structural equation modelling (SEM) to assess the relationships between country-level proportions being Protestant, CoC, UA, POCO and four markers of antimicrobial consumption in the community (all antibacterials, cephalosporin, macrolides and fluoroquinolones). Results: The proportion of a country that was Protestant was negatively correlated with the consumption of all antibacterials. SEM revealed that UA predicted all antibacterial consumption (direct effect coef. 0.15, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.04-0.26). The proportion Protestant exerted an indirect effect on consumption (coef. -0.13, 95% CI -0.21- -0.05). This effect was mediated predominantly via its effect on UA (direct effect coef. 0.15, 95% CI 0.04-0.26). The model explained 37% of the variation in consumption.  Similar results were obtained for each of the other three classes of antimicrobials investigated. Conclusions: Our results are compatible with the theory that contemporary differences in antimicrobial consumption in Europe stem in part from cultural differences that emerged in the Reformation. These findings may explain the differential efficacy of similar antibiotic stewardship campaigns in Northern and Southern European populations.

Anti-infective Medicines Use in Children and Neonates With Pre-existing Kidney Dysfunction: A Systematic Review

Background

Dosing recommendations for anti-infective medicines in children with pre-existing kidney dysfunction are derived from adult pharmacokinetics studies and adjusted to kidney function. Due to neonatal/pediatric age and kidney impairment, modifications in renal clearance and drug metabolism make standard anti-infective dosing for children and neonates inappropriate, with a risk of drug toxicity or significant underdosing. The aim of this study was the systematic description of the use of anti-infective medicines in pediatric patients with pre-existing kidney impairment.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The EMBASE, Medline and Cochrane databases were searched on September 21st, 2021. Studies in all languages reporting data on pre-defined outcomes (pharmacokinetics-PK, kidney function, safety and efficacy) regarding the administration of anti-infective drugs in children up to 18 years with pre-existing kidney dysfunction were included.

Results

29 of 1,792 articles were eligible for inclusion. There were 13 case reports, six retrospective studies, nine prospective studies and one randomized controlled trial (RCT), reporting data on 2,168 pediatric patients. The most represented anti-infective class was glycopeptides, with seven studies on vancomycin, followed by carbapenems, with five studies, mostly on meropenem. Antivirals, aminoglycosides and antifungals counted three articles, followed by combined antibiotic therapy, cephalosporins, lipopeptides with two studies, respectively. Penicillins and polymixins counted one study each. Nine studies reported data on patients with a decreased kidney function, while 20 studies included data on kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Twenty-one studies reported data on PK. In 23 studies, clinical outcomes were reported. Clinical cure was achieved in 229/242 patients. There were four cases of underdosing, one case of overdosing and 13 reported deaths.

Conclusion

This is the first systematic review providing evidence of the use of anti-infective medicines in pediatric patients with impaired kidney function or requiring KRT. Dosing size or interval adjustments in pediatric patients with kidney impairment vary according to age, critical illness status, decreased kidney function and dialysis type. Our findings underline the relevance of population PK in clinical practice and the need of developing predictive specific models for critical pediatric patients.

Comparative study of the bacterial distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of uropathogens in older and younger patients with urinary stones

Background

This study compared the bacterial spectrum and antibiotic susceptibility of uropathogens in older and younger patients with urinary stones to provide appropriate antibiotic management.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed urinary tract infection patients with urolithiasis, presented to Xiangya Hospital from March 2014 to April 2021. Patients were divided into older and younger groups according to 60 years of age. The bacterial spectrum and drug sensitivity of uropathogens were compared.

Results

A total of 542 strains of uropathogens (177 in older and 365 in younger groups) were isolated from 507 patients. E. coli (41.8% vs 43.6%) remains the most common pathogen, followed by E. faecalis (6.2% vs 9.6%) in older and younger groups, respectively. Particularly, K. pneumoniae was significantly more frequent in older (9.6%) than in younger group (4.7%, P < .05). E. faecium was substantially more prevalent in older group (6.2%) than in younger group (2.7%, P < .05). The proportion of males increased in older patients (47.3%) than in younger patients (34.9%, P = 0.007). In both groups, major Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and K. pneumoniae) revealed a high sensitivity over 70% to piperacillin/tazobactam, imipenem and amikacin, whereas the resistance level was high to penicillin, tetracycline and vancomycin. Major Gram-positive (E. faecalis and E. faecium) isolates demonstrated high sensitivity of over 50% to gentamicin and vancomycin in both groups. Furthermore, uropathogens isolated from younger urolithiasis patients were more susceptible to antimicrobials than those isolated from older patients.

Conclusions

The male increased in the older urolithiasis patients with UTI and uropathogens microbial spectrum in older urolithiasis patients are different from younger. High susceptibility and age should be utilized in empirical antibiotic selection to avoid increased multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Improving the Development and Implementation of Audit and Feedback Systems to Support Health Care Workers in Limiting Antimicrobial Resistance in the Hospital: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

For eHealth technologies in general and audit and feedback (AF) systems specifically, integrating interdisciplinary theoretical underpinnings is essential, as it increases the likelihood of achieving desired outcomes by ensuring a fit among eHealth technology, stakeholders, and their context. In addition, reporting on the development and implementation process of AF systems, including substantiations of choices, enables the identification of best practices and accumulation of knowledge across studies but is often not elaborated on in publications.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aims to provide insights into the development and implementation strategies for AF systems for a real-world problem that threatens modern health care-antimicrobial resistance-and provide an interdisciplinary conceptual framework that can serve as a checklist and guidance for making informed choices in the development and implementation of future AF systems.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted by querying PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore Digital Library, and Embase (≥2010) for studies describing either the development or implementation process, or both, of an AF system for antimicrobial resistance or infections in hospitals. Studies reporting only on effectiveness or impact were excluded. A total of 3 independent reviewers performed the study selection, and 2 reviewers constructed the conceptual framework through the axial and selective coding of often-used theories, models, and frameworks (TMFs) from the literature on AF and eHealth development and implementation. Subsequently, the conceptual framework was used for the systematic extraction and interpretation of the studies' descriptions of AF systems and their development and implementation.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 2125 studies that were screened for eligibility, of which 12 (0.56%); 2012-2020) were included. These studies described the development and implementation processes heterogeneously in terms of study aims, study targets, target groups, methods, and theoretical underpinnings. Few studies have explicitly explained how choices for the development and implementation of AF systems were substantiated by the TMFs. The conceptual framework provided insights into what is reported on the development and implementation process and revealed underreported AF system constructs (eg, AF system design; engagement with the AF system; and comparison, goal setting, and action planning) and development and implementation (eg, champions) constructs.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review showed the current heterogeneous reporting of AF systems and their development and implementation processes and exemplified how interdisciplinary TMFs can (and should) be balanced in a conceptual framework to capture relevant AF systems and development and implementation constructs. Thereby, it provides a concrete checklist and overall guidance that supports the professionalization and harmonization of AF system development and implementation. For the development and implementation of future AF systems and other eHealth technologies, researchers and health care workers should be supported in selecting and integrating TMFs into their development and implementation process and encouraged to explicitly report on theoretical underpinnings and the substantiation of choices.