Favorable impact of a multidisciplinary antibiotic management program conducted during 7 years

A Neonatologist-Driven Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in a Neonatal Tertiary Care Center in Oman

OBJECTIVE

The overuse of antimicrobials in neonates is not uncommon and has resulted in a global health crisis of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to evaluate changes associated with a neonatologist-driven antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) in antibiotic usage.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a pre-post retrospective cohort study in a tertiary care hospital in Oman. Neonates admitted in 2014 to 2015 were considered as the pre-ASP cohort. In 2016, a neonatologist-driven ASP was launched in the unit. The program included the optimization and standardization of antibiotic use for early- and late-onset sepsis using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "broad principles," an advanced antimicrobial decision-support system to resolve contentious issues, and placed greater emphasis on education and behavior modification. Data from the years 2016 to 2019 were compared with previous data. The outcome of interest included days of therapy (DOT) for antimicrobials. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared using standard statistical measures.

RESULTS

The study included 2,098 neonates in the pre-ASP period and 5,464 neonates in the post-ASP period. There was no difference in baseline characteristics. The antibiotic use decreased from 752 DOT per 1,000 patient-days (PD) in the pre-ASP period to 264 DOT in the post-ASP period (64.8% reduction, p < 0.001). The proportion of neonates who received any antibiotics declined by 46% (pre-ASP = 1,161/2,098, post-ASP = 1,676/5,464). The most statistically significant reduction in DOT per 1,000 PD was observed in the use of cefotaxime (82%), meropenem (74%), and piperacillin-tazobactam (74%). There was no change in mortality, culture-positive microbial profile, or multidrug-resistant organism incidence in the post-ASP period.

CONCLUSION

Empowering frontline neonatologists to drive ASPs was associated with a sustained reduction in antibiotic utilization.

KEY POINTS

· Overuse of antimicrobials is not uncommon in neonatal intensive care units.. · ASPs and infection control and prevention measures may help in decreasing antibiotic consumption and culture-positive sepsis.. · Empowering frontline neonatologists resulted in a sustained decrease in antimicrobial use without extra resources or financial burden..

The impact of internet use on health among older adults in China: a nationally representative study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Aging poses a significant challenge worldwide, with China's aging status becoming particularly severe. What is the impact of Internet use on the health of the elderly? Existing studies have drawn conflicting conclusions that Internet use improves or harms health. The purpose of this study was to explore how Internet use affects the health of older adults, and the mechanisms and heterogeneity of these effects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Based on Grossman's theory, this paper constructs a health production function model. Using the data of China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) from 2014 to 2020, we investigated the impact of Internet use on the health of older adults using fixed effect model and instrumental variable method. We also examined the mediating role of health information acquisition, lifestyle, and social interaction in these associations.

RESULTS

Internet use is positively associated with self-rated health and negatively associated with psychological sub-health level. Internet use promotes the health of older adults by facilitating access to health information, healthy lifestyles, and enhancing social interaction. And the impacts are heterogeneous at the individual and regional levels.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

We should progressively enhance the level of internet accessibility for older adults, while concurrently addressing and narrowing the 'digital divide'. By generating an abundance of superior health-related information, we can significantly improve health education tailored for the elderly. Additionally, it is crucial to offer extensive training opportunities designed to equip older adults with the necessary skills to proficiently navigate the internet.

Diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin in adult non-neutropenic cancer patients with suspected infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Procalcitonin (PCT) has garnered attention as a potential diagnostic biomarker for infection in cancer patients. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin (PCT) and to compare it with C-reactive protein (CRP) in adult non-neutropenic cancer patients with suspected infection.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify all relevant diagnostic accuracy studies. Original articles reporting the diagnostic accuracy of PCT for infection detection in adult patients with solid or hematological malignancies were included. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, area under the hierarchical summary receiver operator characteristic (HSROC) curve, and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of PCT were 60% (95% CI [45-74%]) and 78% (95% CI [69-86%]). The diagnostic odds ratio was estimated at 5.47 (95% CI [2.86-10.46]). Three studies compared the diagnostic accuracies of PCT and CRP. The pooled sensitivity and specificity values for PCT were 57% (95% CI [26-83%]) and 75% (95% CI [68-82%]), and those for CRP were 67% (95% CI [35-88%]) and 73% (95% CI [69-77%]). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of PCT and CRP did not differ significantly (p = 0.61 and p = 0.63). The diagnostic accuracy of PCT was similar to that of CRP as measured by the area under the HSROC curve (0.73, CI = 0.61-0.91 vs. 0.74, CI = 0.61-0.95, p = 0.93).

CONCLUSION

While elevated PCT levels can be indicative of potential infection, they should not be solely relied upon to exclude infection. We recommend not using the PCT test in isolation; Instead, it should be carefully interpreted in the context of clinical findings.

Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Hospital Setting: A Narrative Review

The increasing global threat of antibiotic resistance, which has resulted in countless fatalities due to untreatable infections, underscores the urgent need for a strategic action plan. The acknowledgment that humanity is perilously approaching the "End of the Miracle Drugs" due to the unjustifiable overuse and misuse of antibiotics has prompted a critical reassessment of their usage. In response, numerous relevant medical societies have initiated a concerted effort to combat resistance by implementing antibiotic stewardship programs within healthcare institutions, grounded in evidence-based guidelines and designed to guide antibiotic utilization. Crucial to this initiative is the establishment of multidisciplinary teams within each hospital, led by a dedicated Infectious Diseases physician. This team includes clinical pharmacists, clinical microbiologists, hospital epidemiologists, infection control experts, and specialized nurses who receive intensive training in the field. These teams have evidence-supported strategies aiming to mitigate resistance, such as conducting prospective audits and providing feedback, including the innovative 'Handshake Stewardship' approach, implementing formulary restrictions and preauthorization protocols, disseminating educational materials, promoting antibiotic de-escalation practices, employing rapid diagnostic techniques, and enhancing infection prevention and control measures. While initial outcomes have demonstrated success in reducing resistance rates, ongoing research is imperative to explore novel stewardship interventions.

Exploring drivers and challenges influencing antibiotic prescribing in outpatient settings and possible mitigation strategies in the United Arab Emirates: a qualitative study

Objectives

Healthcare institutions implement antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes to optimize the use of antibiotics. The focus is often on inpatient rather than outpatient settings. We aimed to explore perceptions of AMS stakeholders on effective interventions for appropriate antibiotic use in outpatient settings, and the role of clinical pharmacists in the AMS multidisciplinary team.

Methods

A qualitative semi-structured interview study using thematic analysis by two researchers independently. Participants that practice AMS programmes were recruited from healthcare facilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Interviews were conducted face to face or online and transcribed verbatim.

Results

Four themes emerged: (i) Perceived factors leading to unnecessary or inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and their impact on patients and the community; (ii) current outpatient AMS activities and perceived barriers and facilitators for their sustainability; (iii) suggested outpatient AMS strategies to be implemented in outpatient settings; and (iv) perceived future AMS implementation barriers and suggested mitigation strategies.

Conclusions

Several AMS interventions, together with the presence of a clinical pharmacist, may be effective in improving antibiotic use in UAE outpatient settings. Future research should investigate the most appropriate AMS strategy considering barriers and possible mitigation strategies to ensure sustainability.

Evaluation of the initial timing of infection control pharmacist-driven audit and monitoring of vancomycin therapy in patients with infectious diseases: A retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Early monitoring and feedback on the treatment of infectious diseases are some of the methods for optimising antimicrobial treatment throughout the treatment period. Prospective audits and feedback interventions have also been shown to improve antimicrobial use and reduce antimicrobial resistance. We examined the appropriate use of antimicrobials by focusing on the initial timing for audits and feedback intervention of antimicrobial prescription by Infection Control Team pharmacists.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study in a university hospital in Tokyo, Japan from 1 January 2019 to 31 May 2021. We retrospectively enrolled patients with infections and those patients suspected of having an infection, who were administered vancomycin and assessed at our hospital. The definition of primary outcome was the maintenance of target vancomycin trough blood concentrations of 10-20 μg/ml during treatment. Multivariable logistic regression and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to test the effectiveness of the initial timing of the intervention by Infection Control Team pharmacists as the explanatory variable.

RESULTS

A total of 638 patients were included in this study, with a median age of 69 years (interquartile range: 54-78 years). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that the maintenance of target vancomycin trough concentrations was not associated with the timing of the audit and the initiation of monitoring by Infection Control Team pharmacists (adjusted odds ratio: 0.99, 95% confidence interval: 0.99-1.00, p = 0.990). Multivariate linear regression revealed that the duration of vancomycin administration was significantly correlated with the timing of initiation of monitoring by Infection Control Team pharmacists (adjusted estimate: 0.0227, standard error: 0.0051, p = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that early initiation of a comprehensive audit and monitoring by Infection Control Team pharmacists did not affect the maintenance of the target vancomycin trough blood concentration. However, it reduced the duration of vancomycin administration.

Description of changes in clinical outcomes following the implementation of an antibiotic stewardship program in a level IV hospital

INTRODUCTION

Inadequate prescription of antibiotics has been recognized as a public health problem by the World Health Organization. In this context, antibiotic stewardship programs have been implemented as a tool to mitigate its impact.

OBJETIVE

To describe the changes in clinical outcomes after the implementation of an antibiotic stewardship program in a level IV hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a unique cohort study of patients hospitalized for infectious pathologies that were treated with antibiotics in an advanced medical facility. We collected the clinical history before the implementation of the antibiotic stewardship program (2013 to 2015) and then we compared it to the records from 2018 to 2019 collected after the implementation of the program. We evaluated changes in clinical outcomes such as overall mortality, and hospital stay, among others.

RESULTS

We analyzed 1,066 patients: 266 from the preimplementation group and 800 from the post-implementation group. The average age was 59.2 years and 62% of the population was male. Statistically significant differences were found in overall mortality (29% vs 15%; p<0.001), mortality due to infectious causes (25% vs 9%; p<0.001), and average hospital stay (45 days vs 21 days; p<0.001); we also observed a tendency to decrease hospital readmission at 30 days for infectious causes (14% vs 10%; p=0.085).

CONCLUSIONS

The antibiotic stewardship program implemented was associated with a decrease in overall mortality and mortality due to infectious causes, as well as in average hospital stay. Our results evidenced the importance of interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of inadequate prescription of antibiotics.

The impact of exposure to HPV related information and injunctive norms on young women's intentions to receive the HPV vaccine in China: A structural equation model based on KAP theory

Background

The HPV vaccination is a crucial line of defensing against cervical cancer. As a result of government support and positive publicity from the majority of media, a craze for HPV vaccination has occurred in China. Besides, the intentions to get the HPV vaccine among women of appropriate age is also influenced by families' and friends' attitudes and perceptions toward HPV vaccine. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate how HPV related information exposure and injunctive norms affect young Chinese women's intentions to receive the HPV vaccine.

Methods

A structural equation model was developed based on KAP theory, and 567 effective questionnaires were collected through an online survey. We used SPSS 26.0 for the reliability and validity analysis and the differential testing of demographic characteristics, and Amos 26.0 for the goodness-of-fit analysis and paths testing of the model.

Results

Our findings showed that (1) intention to receive HPV vaccine differed significantly in age (P = 0.046), educational background (P = 0.001), and occupation (P = 0.004). (2) Exposure to HPV related information positively affected knowledge about HPV (β = 0.316, P < 0.001) and intention to receive HPV vaccine (β = 0.141, P < 0.001). (3) Knowledge about HPV positively affected attitude toward HPV vaccine (β=0.341, P < 0.001), but negatively affected intention to receive HPV vaccine (β = -0.148, P < 0.05), and attitude toward HPV vaccine positively affected intention to receive HPV vaccine (β = 0.594, P < 0.001). (4) Injunctive norms positively affected attitude toward HPV vaccine (β = 0.362, P < 0.001) and intention to receive HPV vaccine (β = 0.420, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Exposure to HPV related information influenced young Chinese women's intentions to receive the HPV vaccine and related knowledge, that is, the more frequently they were exposed to HPV related information, the stronger their intentions to receive the vaccine and the higher their HPV knowledge. Also, the perception and support of HPV vaccination by people around them will further influence their attitudes and intentions to receive the HPV vaccine.

Evaluation of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Decision Support for Pediatric Infections

OBJECTIVES

Clinical decision support (CDS) has promise for the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) in the emergency department (ED). We sought to assess the usability of a newly developed automated CDS to improve guideline-adherent antibiotic prescribing for pediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and urinary tract infection (UTI).

METHODS

We conducted comparative usability testing between an automated, prototype CDS-enhanced discharge order set and standard order set, for pediatric CAP and UTI antibiotic prescribing. After an extensive user-centered design process, the prototype CDS was integrated into the electronic health record, used passive activation, and embedded locally adapted prescribing guidelines. Participants were randomized to interact with three simulated ED scenarios of children with CAP or UTI, across both systems. Measures included task completion, decision-making and usability errors, clinical actions (order set use and correct antibiotic selection), as well as objective measures of system usability, utility, and workload using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). The prototype CDS was iteratively refined to optimize usability and workflow.

RESULTS

Usability testing in 21 ED clinical providers demonstrated that, compared to the standard order sets, providers preferred the prototype CDS, with improvements in domains such as explanations of suggested antibiotic choices (p < 0.001) and provision of additional resources on antibiotic prescription (p < 0.001). Simulated use of the CDS also led to overall improved guideline-adherent prescribing, with a 31% improvement for CAP. A trend was present toward absolute workload reduction. Using the NASA-TLX, workload scores for the current system were median 26, interquartile ranges (IQR): 11 to 41 versus median 25, and IQR: 10.5 to 39.5 for the CDS system (p = 0.117).

CONCLUSION

Our CDS-enhanced discharge order set for ED antibiotic prescribing was strongly preferred by users, improved the accuracy of antibiotic prescribing, and trended toward reduced provider workload. The CDS was optimized for impact on guideline-adherent antibiotic prescribing from the ED and end-user acceptability to support future evaluative trials of ED ASPs.

Core Elements for Implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Korean General Hospitals

Currently, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat to global public health. The antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) has been proposed as an important approach to overcome this crisis. ASP supports the optimal use of antimicrobials, including appropriate dosing decisions, administration duration, and administration routes. In Korea, efforts are being made to overcome AMR using ASPs as a national policy. The current study aimed to develop core elements of ASP that could be introduced in domestic medical facilities. A Delphi survey was conducted twice to select the core elements through expert consensus. The core elements for implementing the ASP included (1) leadership commitment, (2) operating system, (3) action, (4) tracking, (5) reporting, and (6) education. To ensure these core elements are present at medical facilities, multiple departments must collaborate as teams for ASP operations. Establishing a reimbursement system and a workforce for ASPs are prerequisites for implementing ASPs. To ensure that ASP core elements are actively implemented in medical facilities, it is necessary to provide financial support for ASPs in medical facilities, nurture the healthcare workforce in performing ASPs, apply the core elements to healthcare accreditation, and provide incentives to medical facilities by quality evaluation criteria.

β-Lactam-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae Dynamics Following Treatment: A Dose-Response Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Patient exposure to antibiotics promotes the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. The aim of this study was to identify whether the temporal dynamics of resistance emergence at the individual-patient level were predictable for specific pathogen-drug classes.

METHODS

Following a systematic review, a novel robust error meta-regression method for dose-response meta-analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for carrying resistant bacteria during and following treatment compared to baseline. Probability density functions fitted to the resulting dose-response curves were then used to optimize the period during and/or after treatment when resistant pathogens were most likely to be identified.

RESULTS

Studies of Streptococcus pneumoniae treatment with β-lactam antibiotics demonstrated a peak in resistance prevalence among patients 4 days after completing treatment with a 3.32-fold increase in odds (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71-6.46). Resistance waned more gradually than it emerged, returning to preexposure levels 1 month after treatment (OR, 0.98 [95% CI, .55-1.75]). Patient isolation during the peak dose-response period would be expected to reduce the risk that a transmitted pathogen is resistant equivalently to a 50% longer isolation window timed from the first day of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Predictable temporal dynamics of resistance levels have implications both for surveillance and control.

Antimicrobial stewardship in solid organ transplant recipients: Current challenges and proposed metrics

BACKGROUND

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are challenging populations for antimicrobial stewardship interventions due to a variety of reasons, including immunosuppression, consequent risk of opportunistic and donor-derived infections, high rates of infection with multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs), Clostridioides difficile, and need for prolonged antimicrobial prophylaxis. Despite this, data on stewardship interventions and metrics that address the distinct needs of these patients are limited.

METHODS

We performed a narrative review of the current state of antimicrobial stewardship in SOT recipients, existing interventions and metrics in this population, and considerations for implementation of transplant-specific stewardship programs.

RESULTS

Antimicrobial stewardship metrics are evolving even in the general patient population. Data on metrics applicable to the SOT population are even more limited. Standard process, outcomes, and balancing metrics may not always apply to the SOT population. A successful stewardship program for SOT recipients requires reviewing existing data, applying general stewardship principles, and understanding the nuances of SOT patients.

CONCLUSION

As antimicrobial stewardship interventions are being implemented in SOT recipients; new metrics are needed to assess their impact. In conclusion, SOT patients present a challenging but important opportunity for antimicrobial stewards.

ABBREVIATIONS

SOT, antimicrobial stewardship program, MDRO, Clostridioides difficile infection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Infectious Diseases Society of America, prospective audit and feedback, hematopoietic cell transplant, cytomegalovirus, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, surgical site infections, nucleic acid amplification testing, days of therapy, defined daily dose, and length of stay.

Antimicrobial Stewardship in Public-Sector Hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global public-health threat. Evidence suggests that antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is a valuable tool to facilitate rational antibiotic use within healthcare facilities. A cross-sectional situational analysis using a questionnaire was conducted to determine the current status of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) activities in all public-sector hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The survey had a 79% (57, N = 72) response rate. A total of 75% of hospitals had an antimicrobial stewardship committee (AMSC), 47% (20, N = 43) had a formal written statement of support from leadership, and 7% (3, N = 43) had budgeted financial support. Only 37% (16, N = 43) had on-site or off-site support from a clinical microbiologist, and 5% (2, N = 43) had an on-site infectious disease (ID) physician. Microbiologist input on pathogen surveillance data (aOR: 5.12; 95% CI: 4.08–22.02; p-value = 0.001) and microbiological investigations prior to the commencement of antibiotics (aOR: 5.12; 95% CI: 1.08–42.01; p-value = 0.041) were significantly associated with having either on- or off-site microbiology support. Respondents that had a representative from microbiology on the AMSC were significantly associated with having and interrogating facility-specific antibiograms (P = 0.051 and P = 0.036, respectively). Those facilities that had access to a microbiologist were significantly associated with producing an antibiogram (aOR: 4.80; 95% CI: 1.25–18.42; p-value = 0.022). Facilities with an ID physician were significantly associated with having a current antibiogram distributed to prescribers within the facility (P = 0.010) and significantly associated with sending prescribers personalized communication regarding improving prescribing (P = 0.044). Common challenges reported by the facilities included suboptimal hospital management support; a lack of clinicians, pharmacists, nurses, microbiologists, and dedicated time; the lack of a multidisciplinary approach; low clinician buy-in; inadequate training; a lack of printed antibiotic guidelines; and financial restrictions for microbiological investigations. The survey identified the need for financial, IT, and management support. Microbiology and infectious disease physicians were recognized as scarce human resources.

Role of the hospital pharmacist in an Italian antimicrobial stewardship programme

The inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents is contributing to an increasing phenomenon of bacterial resistance. For this reason, there is a growing interest in 'antimicrobial stewardship', a series of coordinated and multidisciplinary interventions aimed to promote the safe and appropriate use of antimicrobials in which the pharmacist's contribution is necessary for the optimal choice of drug, dose, duration of therapy and the implementation of cost containment strategies.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We wanted to create a reference model and a specific training manual on antibiotic stewardship to introduce the role of the department pharmacist with specific infection disease skills in the Italian health system hospitals.

METHODS

This study was conducted in six Italian hospitals for 24 months. It was divided into three phases: definition of indicators (as defined daily doses/100 days of hospitalisation, switches from intravenous (IV) to oral and from empirical to targeted therapies, etc) elaboration of research protocol; sharing, application and detection of the indicators and selection of centres involved; analysis and sharing of results and subsequent drafting and distribution of the training manual.Statistical analysis focused on possible differences between the frequencies of the aforementioned switches. Differences were analysed comparing the values recorded in the first quarter with those of the third quarter trough a χ² test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

RESULTS

The pharmacist's work showed a statistically significant increase in the conversion from IV to oral antibiotic therapy (χ² (1.496)=9112 ; p=0.0025; df=1). It was also detected a 5% improvement in appropriate dosing, 34% reduction in drug stocks, 4% increase in allergy reports and 275% increase in the number of adverse drug reactions reported.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the interventions of the antibiotic stewardship pharmacist led to an improvement in quality of care, resource efficiency and healthcare professional awareness.

Applying Diagnostic Stewardship to Proactively Optimize the Management of Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection is amongst the most common bacterial infections in the community and hospital setting and accounts for an estimated 1.6 to 2.14 billion in national healthcare expenditure. Despite its financial impact, the diagnosis is challenging with urine cultures and antibiotics often inappropriately ordered for non-specific symptoms or asymptomatic bacteriuria. In an attempt to limit unnecessary laboratory testing and antibiotic overutilization, several diagnostic stewardship initiatives have been described in the literature. We conducted a systematic review with a focus on the application of molecular and microbiological diagnostics, clinical decision support, and implementation of diagnostic stewardship initiatives for urinary tract infections. The most successful strategies utilized a bundled, multidisciplinary, and multimodal approach involving nursing and physician education and feedback, indication requirements for urine culture orders, reflex urine culture programs, cascade reporting, and urinary antibiograms. Implementation of antibiotic stewardship initiatives across the various phases of laboratory testing (i.e., pre-analytic, analytic, post-analytic) can effectively decrease the rate of inappropriate ordering of urine cultures and antibiotic prescribing in patients with clinically ambiguous symptoms that are unlikely to be a urinary tract infection.

Implementation of An Antibiotic Stewardship Intervention to Reduce Prescription of Fluoroquinolones: A Human Factors Analysis in Two Intensive Care Units

Antibiotic use is often the target of interventions in health care organizations that aim to decrease healthcare-associated infections (HAI) such as Clostridioides difficile (CDI); this is particularly important for fluoroquinolones (FQ), which are frequently used in critical care settings. In this study, using a multiple case study research approach, we conduct an in-depth analysis of an intervention aimed at limiting ICU prescriber access to FQ in two ICUs of two hospitals. The data collection and analysis were guided by a human factors engineering approach based on the SEIPS (Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety) model and evidence-based implementation principles. Our results show some differences in the implementation of the FQ intervention between the two ICUs, such as level and method of FQ restriction, and training and communication with physicians and pharmacists. In both ICUs, several organizational learning mechanisms helped to quickly identify problems with the intervention and ensure that changes were made in a just-in-time manner (e.g. just-in-time training, removal of FQ in order set for pneumonia). Despite their organizational differences, both sites developed strategies to successfully implement the FQ intervention.

OUP accepted manuscript

Background

Antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) have been widely implemented in medical practice to improve antimicrobial prescribing and reduce selection for multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Objectives

To implement different antimicrobial stewardship intervention packages in 135 veterinary practices and assess their impact on antimicrobial prescribing.

Methods

In October 2018, general veterinary clinics were assigned to one of three levels of ASP, education only (CON), intermediate (AMS1) or intensive (AMS2). De-identified prescribing data (1 October 2016 to 31 October 2020), sourced from VetCompass Australia, were analysed and a Poisson regression model fitted to identify the effect of the interventions on the incidence rates of antimicrobial prescribing.

Results

The overall incidence rate (IR) of antimicrobial prescribing for dogs and cats prior to the intervention was 3.7/100 consultations, which declined by 36% (2.4/100) in the implementation period, and by 50% (1.9/100) during the post-implementation period. Compared with CON, in AMS2 there was a 4% and 6% reduction in the overall IR of antimicrobial prescribing, and a 24% and 24% reduction in IR of high importance antimicrobial prescribing, attributable to the intervention in the implementation and post-implementation periods, respectively. A greater mean difference in the IR of antimicrobial prescribing was seen in high-prescribing clinics.

Conclusions

These AMS interventions had a positive impact in a large group of general veterinary practices, resulting in a decline in overall antimicrobial use and a shift towards use of antimicrobials rated as low importance, with the greatest impact in high-prescribing clinics.

Antibiotic resistance in the patient with cancer: Escalating challenges and paths forward

Infection is the second leading cause of death in patients with cancer. Loss of efficacy in antibiotics due to antibiotic resistance in bacteria is an urgent threat against the continuing success of cancer therapy. In this review, the authors focus on recent updates on the impact of antibiotic resistance in the cancer setting, particularly on the ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.). This review highlights the health and financial impact of antibiotic resistance in patients with cancer. Furthermore, the authors recommend measures to control the emergence of antibiotic resistance, highlighting the risk factors associated with cancer care. A lack of data in the etiology of infections, specifically in oncology patients in United States, is identified as a concern, and the authors advocate for a centralized and specialized surveillance system for patients with cancer to predict and prevent the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Finding better ways to predict, prevent, and treat antibiotic-resistant infections will have a major positive impact on the care of those with cancer.

Guidelines on Implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Korea

These guidelines were developed as a part of the 2021 Academic R&D Service Project of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency in response to requests from healthcare professionals in clinical practice for guidance on developing antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). These guidelines were developed by means of a systematic literature review and a summary of recent literature, in which evidence-based intervention methods were used to address key questions about the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents and ASP expansion. These guidelines also provide evidence of the effectiveness of ASPs and describe intervention methods applicable in Korea.

A computerized indicator for surgical site infection (SSI) assessment after total hip or total knee replacement: The French ISO-ORTHO indicator

OBJECTIVE

The French National Authority for Health (HAS), with a multidisciplinary working group, developed an indicator 'ISO-ORTHO' to assess surgical site infections (SSIs) after total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA) based on the hospital discharge database. We present the ISO-ORTHO indicator designed for SSI automated detection and its relevance for quality improvement and hospital benchmarks.

METHODS

The algorithm is based on a combination of International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) and procedure codes of the hospital stay. The target population was selected among adult patients who had a THA or TKA between January 1, 2017, and September 30, 2017. Patients at very high risk of SSI and/or with SSI not related to hospital care were excluded. We searched databases for SSIs up to 3 months after THA/TKA. The standardized infection ratio (SIR) of observed versus expected SSIs was calculated (logistic regression) and displayed as funnel plot with 2 and 3 standard deviations (SD) after adjustment for 13 factors known to increase SSI risk.

RESULTS

In total, 790 hospitals and 139,926 THA/TKA stays were assessed; 1,253 SSI were detected in the 473 included hospitals (incidence, 0.9%: 1.0% for THA, 0.80% for TKA). The SSI rate was significantly higher in males (1.2%), in patients with previous osteo-articular infection (4.4%), and those with cancer (2.3%), obesity, or diabetes. Most hospitals (89.9%) were within 2 SD; however, 12 hospitals were classified as outliers at more than +3 SD (1.6% of facilities), and 59 hospitals (7.9%) were outliers between +2 SD and +3 SD.

CONCLUSION

ISO-ORTHO is a relevant indicator for automated surveillance; it can provide hospitals a metric for SSI assessment that may contribute to improving patient outcomes.

Antimicrobial Stewardship and the Infection Control Practitioner: A Natural Alliance

Antibiotic overuse and misuse has contributed to rising rates of multidrug-resistant organisms and Clostridioides difficile. Decreasing antibiotic misuse has become a national public health priority. This review outlines the goals of antimicrobial stewardship, essential members of the program, implementation strategies, approaches to measuring the program's impact, and steps needed to build a program. Highlighted is the alliance between antimicrobial stewardship programs and infection prevention programs in their efforts to improve antibiotic use, improve diagnostic stewardship for C difficile and asymptomatic bacteriuria, and decrease health care-associated infections and the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms.

Decreasing ICU-associated Clostridioides difficile infection through fluoroquinolone restriction, the FIRST trial: a study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections in the USA, having high incidence in intensive care units (ICU). Antibiotic use increases risk of CDI, with fluoroquinolones (FQs) particularly implicated. In healthcare settings, antibiotic stewardship (AS) and infection control interventions are effective in CDI control, but there is little evidence regarding the most effective AS interventions. Preprescription authorisation (PPA) restricting FQs is a potentially promising AS intervention to reduce CDI. The FQ Restriction for the Prevention of CDI (FIRST) trial will evaluate the effectiveness of an FQ PPA intervention in reducing CDI rates in adult ICUs compared with preintervention care, and evaluate implementation effectiveness using a human-factors and systems engineering model.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a multisite, stepped-wedge, cluster, effectiveness-implementation clinical trial. The trial will take place in 12 adult medical-surgical ICUs with ≥10 beds, using Epic as electronic health record (EHR) and pre-existing AS programmes. Sites will receive facilitated implementation support over the 15-month trial period, succeeded by 9 months of follow-up. The intervention comprises a clinical decision support system for FQ PPA, integrated into the site EHRs. Each ICU will be considered a single site and all ICU admissions included in the analysis. Clinical data will be extracted from EHRs throughout the trial and compared with the corresponding pretrial period, which will constitute the baseline for statistical analysis. Outcomes will include ICU-onset CDI rates, FQ days of therapy (DOT), alternative antibiotic DOT, average length of stay and hospital mortality. The study team will also collect implementation data to assess implementation effectiveness using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The trial was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2018-0852-CP015). Results will be made available to participating sites, funders, infectious disease societies, critical care societies and other researchers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03848689.

Effectiveness of Oral Vancomycin for Prevention of Healthcare Facility-Onset Clostridioides difficile Infection in Targeted Patients During Systemic Antibiotic Exposure

BACKGROUND

Limited retrospective data suggest prophylactic oral vancomycin may prevent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of oral vancomycin for the prevention of healthcare facility-onset CDI (HCFO-CDI) in targeted patients.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, prospective, open-label study at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, between October 2018 and April 2019. Included patients were randomized 1:1 to either oral vancomycin (dosed at 125 mg once daily while receiving systemic antibiotics and continued for 5 days postcompletion of systemic antibiotics [OVP]) or no prophylaxis. The primary endpoint was incidence of HCFO-CDI. Secondary endpoints included incidence of community-onset healthcare facility-associated CDI (CO-HCFA-CDI), incidence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) colonization after receiving OVP, adverse effects, and cost of OVP.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients were evaluated, 50 patients in each arm. Baseline and hospitalization characteristics were similar, except antibiotic exposure. No events of HCFO-CDI were noted in the OVP group compared with 6 (12%) in the no-prophylaxis group (P = .03). CO-HCFA-CDI was identified in 2 patients who were previously diagnosed with HCFO-CDI. No patients developed new VRE colonization, with only 1 patient reporting mild gastrointestinal side effects to OVP. A total of 600 doses of OVP were given during the study, with each patient receiving an average of 12 doses. Total acquisition cost of OVP was $1302, $26.04 per patient.

CONCLUSION

OVP appears to protect against HCFO-CDI during in-patient stay in targeted patients during systemic antibiotic exposure. Further prospective investigation is warranted.

Antimicrobial Time-Out for Vancomycin by Infectious Disease Physicians Versus Clinical Pharmacists: A Before-After Crossover Trial

Background

The present study assessed the impact of time-out on vancomycin use and compared the strategy's efficacy when led by pharmacists versus infectious disease (ID) physicians at a tertiary care center.

Methods

Time-out, consisting of a telephone call to inpatient providers and documentation of vancomycin use >72 hours, was performed by ID physicians and clinical pharmacists in the Departments of Medicine and Surgery/Critical Care. Patients in the Department of Medicine were assigned to the clinical pharmacist-led arm, and patients in the Department of Surgery/Critical Care were assigned to the ID physician-led arm in the initial, 6-month phase and were switched in the second, 6-month phase. The primary outcome was the change in weekly days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 patient-days (PD), and vancomycin use was compared using interrupted time-series analysis.

Results

Of 587 patients receiving vancomycin, 132 participated, with 79 and 53 enrolled in the first and second phases, respectively. Overall, vancomycin use decreased, although the difference was statistically nonsignificant (change in slope, -0.25 weekly DOT per 1000 PD; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.68 to 0.18; P = .24). The weekly vancomycin DOT per 1000 PD remained unchanged during phase 1 but decreased significantly in phase 2 (change in slope, -0.49; 95% CI, -0.84 to -0.14; P = .007). Antimicrobial use decreased significantly in the surgery/critical care patients in the pharmacist-led arm (change in slope, -0.77; 95% CI, -1.33 to -0.22; P = .007).

Conclusions

Vancomycin time-out was moderately effective, and clinical pharmacist-led time-out with surgery/critical care patients substantially reduced vancomycin use.

Reducing Duration of Antibiotic Use for Presumed Neonatal Early-Onset Sepsis in Greek NICUs. A "Low-Hanging Fruit" Approach

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), where stewardship interventions are challenging. Lowering antibiotic consumption is desperately needed in Greece, a country with high antibiotic resistance rates. We sought to assess the effectiveness of a low-cost and -resource intervention to reduce antibiotic use in Greek NICUs implementing a "low-hanging fruit" approach. A prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted in 15/17 public NICUs in Greece (9/2016-06/2019). The intervention selected was discontinuation of antibiotics within 5 days for neonates with gestational age ≥ 37 weeks, no documented signs or symptoms of sepsis, CRP ≤ 10 mg/L and negative cultures within 3 days of antibiotic initiation. Impact was evaluated by the percentage of discontinued regimens by day 5, length of therapy (LOT) and stay. Trends of antibiotic consumption were assessed with days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 patient-days. Overall, there was a 9% increase (p = 0.003) of antibiotic discontinuation in ≤5 days. In total, 7/13 (53.8%) units showed a ≥10% increase. Overall, 615 days on antibiotics per 1000 patients were saved. Interrupted time-series analysis established a declining trend in DOT/1000 patient-days relative to the pre-intervention trend (p = 0.002); a monthly decrease rate of 28.96 DOT/1000 patient-days (p = 0.001, 95%CI [-45.33, -12.60]). The intervention had no impact on antibiotic choice. Antibiotic use was successfully reduced in Greek NICUs using a "low-hanging fruit" approach. In resource-limited settings, similar targeted stewardship interventions can be applied.

Sustainability of Handshake Stewardship: Extending a Hand Is Effective Years Later

BACKGROUND

Children's Hospital Colorado created a unique method of antimicrobial stewardship, called handshake stewardship, that effectively decreased hospital anti-infective use and costs in its pilot year (2013). Handshake stewardship is distinguished by: (1) the lack of prior authorization; (2) a review of all prescribed anti-infectives; (3) a shared review by the physician and the pharmacist; and (4) a daily, rounding-based, in-person approach to supporting providers. We sought to reevaluate the outcomes of the program after 5 years of experience, totaling 8 years of data.

METHODS

We retrospectively measured anti-infective (antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal) use hospital-wide by unit and by drug for an 8-year period spanning October 2010 to October 2018. Aggregated monthly use was measured in days of therapy per thousand patient days (DOT/1000 PD). The percentage of children admitted ever receiving an anti-infective was also measured, as well as severity-adjusted mortality, readmissions, and lengths of stay.

RESULTS

Hospital-wide mean anti-infective use significantly decreased, from 891 (95% confidence interval [CI] 859-923) in the pre-implementation phase to 655 (95% CI 637-694) DOT/1000 PD in post-implementation Year 5; in a segmented regression time series analysis, this was a rate of -2.6 DOT/1000 PD (95% CI -4.8 to -0.4). This is largely attributable to decreased antibacterial use, from 704 (95% CI 686-722) to 544 (95% CI 525 -562) DOT/1000 PD. The percentage of children ever receiving an anti-infective during admission likewise declined, from 65% to 52% (95% CI 49-54). There were no detrimental effects on severity adjusted mortality, readmissions, or lengths of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

The handshake method is an effective and sustainable approach to stewardship.

Effectiveness and Acceptance of Multimodal Antibiotic Stewardship Program: Considering Progressive Implementation and Complementary Strategies

Multiple modes of interventions are available when implementing an antibiotic stewardship program (ASP), however, their complementarity has not yet been assessed. In a 938-bed hospital, we sequentially implemented four combined modes of interventions over one year, centralized by one infectious diseases specialist (IDS): (1) on-request infectious diseases specialist consulting service (IDSCS), (2) participation in intensive care unit meetings, (3) IDS intervention triggered by microbiological laboratory meetings, and (4) IDS intervention triggered by pharmacist alert. We assessed the complementarity of the different cumulative actions through quantitative and qualitative analysis of all interventions traced in the electronic medical record. We observed a quantitative and qualitative complementarity between interventions directly correlating to a decrease in antibiotic use. Quantitatively, the number of interventions has doubled after implementation of IDS intervention triggered by pharmacist alert. Qualitatively, these kinds of interventions led mainly to de-escalation or stopping of antibiotic therapy (63%) as opposed to on-request IDSCS (32%). An overall decrease of 14.6% in antibiotic use was observed (p = 0.03). Progressive implementation of the different interventions showed a concrete complementarity of these actions. Combined actions in ASPs could lead to a significant decrease in antibiotic use, especially regarding critical antibiotic prescriptions, while being well accepted by prescribers.

Collaborative Antimicrobial Stewardship for Surgeons

Antimicrobial stewardship efforts that include surgeons rely on healthy and open communications between surgeons, infectious diseases specialists, and pharmacists. These efforts most frequently are related to surgical prophylaxis, the management of surgical infections, and surgical critical care. Policy should be based on best evidence and timely interactions to develop consensus on how to develop appropriate guidelines and protocols. Flexibility on all sides leads to increasingly strong relationships over time.

The influence of a ban on outpatient intravenous antibiotic therapy among the secondary and tertiary hospitals in China

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global public health challenge. Physicians' over-prescription of antibiotics is a major contributor, and intravenous (IV) antibiotic use has been a particular concern in China. To address the rapid fallout of antibiotic overuse, the Chinese government has piloted a ban of IV antibiotics in the outpatient department (OD) with the exemption of paediatrics, emergency department (ED), and inpatient ward of secondary and tertiary hospitals in several provinces.

METHODS

To assess the potential impact of the policy, we conducted a mixed-methods study including 1) interviews about the ban of IV antibiotic use with 68 stakeholders, covering patients, health workers, and policy-makers, from two cities and 2) a hospital case study which collected routine hospital data and survey data with 207 doctors.

RESULTS

Our analyses revealed that the ban of IV antibiotics in the OD led to a reduction in the total and IV antibiotic prescriptions and improved the rational antibiotic prescribing practice in the OD. Nevertheless, the policy has diverted patient flow from OD to ED, inpatient ward, and primary care for IV antibiotic prescriptions. We also found that irrational antibiotic use in paediatrics was neglected. Radical policy implementation, doctors circumvented the regulations, and lack of doctor-patient communication during patient encounters were barriers to the implementation of the ban.

CONCLUSIONS

Future efforts may include 1) to de-escalate both oral and IV antibiotic therapy in paediatric and reduce oral antibiotic therapy among adults in outpatient clinics, 2) to reduce unnecessary referrals by OD doctors to ED, primary care, or inpatient services and better coordinate for patients who clinically need IV antibiotics, 3) to incorporate demand-side tailored measures, such as public education campaigns, and 4) to improve doctor-patient communication. Future research is needed to understand how primary care and other community clinics implement the ban.

Time and personnel requirements for antimicrobial stewardship in small hospitals in a rural area in Germany

BACKGROUND

In order to control their anti-infectives consumption, hospitals are required to provide multidisciplinary teams comprising among others an infectiologist, a microbiologist and a pharmacist. Small hospitals though often do not dispose of the defaulted personnel. This study illustrates a solution for an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) in small community hospitals in a rural area in Germany.

METHODS

Four hospitals of ca. 200 beds each, jointly hired an antimicrobial stewardship expert to start a common ASP. This expert did rounds on every ward once a week, mostly as chard reviews with the physician in charge. Outside the rounds, he could be consulted by mail. Working time and number of visited patients were documented. Anti-infectives consumption, incidence of Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) and mortality rates were retrieved from routinely collected data. The intervention period (01/2018-12/2018) was compared to the preintervention period (01/2017-12/2017).

RESULTS

3321 patients were visited in the intervention period. In average, 20 patients were seen per day and 20 min were needed per patient/ chard. About 65% of the expert's working time was needed for rounds, 15% for driving between the hospitals. The anti-infectives consumption of the 4 hospitals in the preintervention period amounted to 50 defined daily doses per 100 occupied bed days. The total consumption was reduced by 10% and of quinolones by 36%. The incidence of hospital-acquired CDI receded from 0.14 to 0.07 cases per 100 patient days (-50%, p = 0.001). The overall in-hospital mortality did not change.

CONCLUSIONS

A single expert was able to implement a successfull ASP in 4 hospitals. While multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship teams are ideal for tertiary care hospitals, small hospitals need a more practical solution. This survey shows that one expert can be sufficient for several small hospitals even with the distances in a rural setting.

Antimicrobial Stewardship: What the Clinical Laboratory Needs to Know

Misuse of antibiotics, including unnecessary use or inappropriate selection, may result in side effects and poor outcome in individual patients, as well as contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial stewardship programs exist to reduce such misuse of antibiotics and ill effect in order to promote patient outcome. The importance of diagnostics, antibiogram data, possible interventions, and impact are reviewed. It is essential for clinical microbiologists and other health care members to understand the field and scope of antimicrobial stewardship, actively participate in, and understand the value they bring to supporting their institution's efforts.

Clostridioides difficile infection in US hospitals: a national inpatient sample study

BACKGROUND

Hypervirulent strains of Clostridioides difficile have altered the landscape of hospital and community outbreaks. We aim to examine and compare spatiotemporal trends, incidence, hospital teaching status, mortality, and cost associated with hospital-acquired Clostridioides difficile infection (HCDI) and community-acquired Clostridioides difficile infection (CCDI).

METHODS

Retrospective cohorts were studied using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2006 to 2015.

RESULTS

A total of 76,124 cases of HCDI and 190,641 cases of CCDI were identified within the study period. The incidence of HCDI decreased from 8555 in 2006 to 7191 in 2015. Mortality also decreased during the same period (5.9% in 2006 to 1.4% 2015, p < 0.0001). Conversely, CCDI cases increased from 13,823 in 2006 to 20,637 in 2015. CCDI mortality decreased during the same period (4.3% in 2006 to 1.9% 2015, p < 0.0001). Rural hospital centers experienced the sharpest decline in HCDI mortality compared to urban and urban teaching centers (3.8%, p < 0.0001 vs 2.8%, p < 0.0001 vs 2.1%, p < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that increasing age (p = 0.0001), increasing hospital length of stay (p = 0.0001), and Medicare insurance (p = 0.002) were significant predictors of mortality for CDI mortality. Geospatial mapping of CCDI and HCDI revealed that the Eastern and Southern US experienced the largest incidence of CDI over 10 years.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of HCDI has decreased in the past decade while the incidence of CCDI hospitalization is sharply on the rise. While hospital length of stay and mortality has decreased over time, the cost of treating CDI remains high.

Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance by promoting Antimicrobial stewardship in Medical and Allied Health Professional Curricula

INTRODUCTION

Antimicrobial resistance poses a serious threat to global health with significantly higher morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. This review aims to discuss the importance of the promotion of antimicrobial stewardship in medical and allied health professional curricula and training/educating tomorrow's doctors in combatting antimicrobial resistance. A narrative literature review was conducted to retrieve relevant information related to antimicrobial resistance and stewardship and their implications on medical and allied health professional education and training from searches of computerized databases, hand searches, and authoritative texts.

AREAS COVERED

Antimicrobial stewardship programs improve rational antibiotic use, reduce antimicrobial resistance, decrease complications of antibiotic use, and improve patient outcomes. Though health professional students recognize the importance and impact of antibiotic prescribing knowledge, many studies have consistently demonstrated low levels of confidence and competencies amongst students, highlighting that health professional schools failed to prepare them to prescribe antibiotics accurately.

EXPERT OPINION

There is an urgent call for the integration of antimicrobial stewardship teaching at the undergraduate level of medical education to train future prescribers on this critical aspect of public health. Proper undergraduate education on rational antibiotics use would enable health professional graduates to enter clinical practice with adequate competencies to become rational prescribers.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Veterinarians Towards Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship in Nigeria

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern and the inappropriate use of antibiotics in animals and humans is considered a contributing factor. A cross-sectional survey to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of veterinarians regarding AMR and antimicrobial stewardship was conducted in Nigeria. A total of 241 respondents completed an online survey. Only 21% of respondents correctly defined the term antimicrobial stewardship and 59.8% were unaware of the guidelines provided by the Nigeria AMR National Action Plan. Over half (51%) of the respondents indicated that prophylactic antibiotic use was appropriate when farm biosecurity was poor. Only 20% of the respondents conducted antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) frequently, and the unavailability of veterinary laboratory services (82%) and the owner’s inability to pay (72%) were reported as key barriers to conducting AST. The study findings suggest strategies focusing on the following areas may be useful in improving appropriate antibiotic use and antimicrobial stewardship among veterinarians in Nigeria: increased awareness of responsible antimicrobial use among practicing and newly graduated veterinarians, increased dissemination of regularly updated antibiotic use guidelines, increased understanding of the role of good biosecurity and vaccination practices in disease prevention, and increased provision of laboratory services and AST at affordable costs.

[Updated review of Clostridium difficile infection in elderly]

Clostridium difficile infection is the most common cause of health care-associated diarrhoea, and its incidence increases with age. Clinical challenges, risk of resistance to treatment, risk of recurrence, and treatment responses are different in elderly. The aim of this review is to discuss the updated epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic management of C. difficile infection in elderly with the available data.

Impact of a Diagnosis-Centered Antibiotic Stewardship on Incident Clostridioides difficile Infections in Older Inpatients: An Observational Study

In 2015, a major increase in incident hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infections (HO-CDI) in a geriatric university hospital led to the implementation of a diagnosis-centered antibiotic stewardship program (ASP). We aimed to evaluate the impact of the ASP on antibiotic consumption and on HO-CDI incidence. The intervention was the arrival of a full-time infectiologist in the acute geriatric unit in May 2015, followed by the implementation of new diagnostic procedures for infections associated with an antibiotic withdrawal policy. Between 2015 and 2018, the ASP was associated with a major reduction in diagnoses for inpatients (23% to 13% for pneumonia, 24% to 13% for urinary tract infection), while median hospital stays and mortality rates remained stable. The reduction in diagnosed bacterial infections was associated with a 45% decrease in antibiotic consumption in the acute geriatric unit. HO-CDI incidence also decreased dramatically from 1.4‰ bed-days to 0.8‰ bed-days in the geriatric rehabilitation unit. The ASP focused on reducing the overdiagnosis of bacterial infections in the acute geriatric unit was successfully associated with both a reduction in antibiotic use and a clear reduction in the incidence of HO-CDI in the geriatric rehabilitation unit.

Antimicrobial usage at a large teaching hospital in Lusaka, Zambia

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health concern. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) curbs resistance rates by encouraging rational antimicrobial use. However, data on antimicrobial stewardship in developing countries is scarce. The objective of this study was to characterize antimicrobial use at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka, Zambia as a guiding step in the development of an AMS program. This was a cross-sectional, observational study evaluating antimicrobial appropriateness and consumption in non-critically ill adult medicine patients admitted to UTH. Appropriateness was defined as a composite measure based upon daily chart review. Sixty percent (88/146) of all adult patients admitted to the general wards had at least one antimicrobial ordered and were included in this study. The most commonly treated infectious diseases were tuberculosis, pneumonia, and septicemia. Treatment of drug sensitive tuberculosis is standardized in a four-drug combination pill of rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol, therefore appropriateness of therapy was not further evaluated. The most common antimicrobials ordered were cefotaxime (n = 45), ceftriaxone (n = 28), and metronidazole (n = 14). Overall, 67% of antimicrobial orders were inappropriately prescribed to some extent, largely driven by incorrect dose or frequency in patients with renal dysfunction. Antimicrobial prescribing among hospitalized patients at UTH is common and there is room for optimization of a majority of antimicrobial orders. Availability of certain antimicrobials must be taken into consideration during AMS program development.

Estimating Factors Related to Fluoroquinolone Resistance Based on One Health Perspective: Static and Dynamic Panel Data Analyses From Europe

Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a One Health problem in which fluoroquinolone resistance has caused great concern. The aim of this study is to estimate factors related to fluoroquinolone resistance involving the professionals and antimicrobial consumption (AMC) in human and animal fields. Methods: A country-level panel data set in Europe from 2005 to 2016 was constructed. The dependent variables were measured by Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and Pseudomonasaeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa ) resistance rates to fluoroquinolones. Both the static and dynamic panel data models were employed to estimate the above factors associated with the resistance rates. Results: The 10% increase in the number of medical staff and veterinary professionals per 100,000 population were significantly correlated with the 32.44% decrease of P. aeruginosa and 0.57% decrease of E. coli resistance rates to fluoroquinolones (Coef. = -3.244, -0.057; p = 0.000, 0.030, respectively). The 10% increase in the human AMC was correlated with 10.06% and 8.04% increase of P. aeruginosa resistance rates to fluoroquinolones in static and dynamic models (Coef. = 1.006, 0.804; p = 0.006, 0.001, respectively). The 10% increase in veterinary AMC was related to a 1.65% decrease of P. aeruginosa resistance rates to fluoroquinolones (Coef. = -0.165, p = 0.019). Conclusions: The increases in medical and veterinary professionals are respectively associated with the decrease of P. aeruginosa and E. coli resistance rates to fluoroquinolones. The increase in human AMC is also associated with increase of P. aeruginosa resistance rates, while the increase in veterinary AMC was found to be associated with a decrease in resistance rate for P. aeruginosa.

Scope of Antibiotic Stewardship Programs in Pediatrics

This review of pediatric antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) summarized the antibiotic prescribing interventions and their impact on antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. We reviewed studies of pediatric ASP, including the search terms "antimicrobial stewardship," "antibiotic stewardship," "children," and "pediatric." The articles' selection and review were performed independently by 2 investigators, according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Twenty-one studies were included, from the past 15 years, increasing after the 2007 IDSA (Infectious Diseases Society of America) guidelines for ASP with a large variability of the programs, and the virtual exclusive focus on inpatient settings (90%): 16 formalized ASP and 5 non-ASP actions. A reduction in antibiotic prescribing in ASP has been demonstrated in the studies reporting pediatric ASP, but only one ASP showed a significant impact on antimicrobial resistance. However, the impact on antibiotic consumption in pediatrics demonstrated the important contribution of these strategies to improve antibiotic use in children, without complications or negative issues.

Practice measures for controlling and preventing hospital associated Clostridium difficile infections

Clostridium difficile (CD) is the most common cause of nosocomial diarrhea. We aim to highlight practice measures for controlling and preventing Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) in the hospital setting. Electronic databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Databases were searched for human studies that assessed strategic measures for the prevention of CDI. Bundled interventions can effectively reduce the rates of CDI. Current evidence support the implementation antibiotic stewardship programs, hygiene enhancement, dietary management with probiotics, use of copper surfaces, and the cautious use of PPIs. However, current guidelines do not advocate the use of copper, probiotics, or the discontinuation of PPIs as a means for reducing CDI. We review these practical and evidence-based approaches.

The intervention by an antimicrobial stewardship team can improve clinical and microbiological outcomes of resistant gram-negative bacteria

Antibiotic stewardship (AS) improves patient outcomes and rates of antibiotic susceptibilities. However, the long-term effect of AS programs (ASPs) on mortality is unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of bedside interventions by an AS team (AST) on clinical and microbiological outcomes. This retrospective study enrolled patients with bloodstream infections (BSI) and long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (more than 7 days). The main outcomes were 30-day and in-hospital mortality of patients with BSI. The secondary outcomes were the day of therapy (DOT) and susceptibility of antipseudomonal agents. Cases were classified into two groups: the pre-ASP group comprised cases between 2011 and 2013 and the post-ASP group, between 2014 and 2016. The outcomes were then compared between the two groups. Among the patients with all BSI (n = 1187), no significant differences in 30-day mortality were observed between those in the pre-ASP and post-ASP groups. However, in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the post-ASP group than that in the pre-ASP group (24.8% vs. 18.0%; P = 0.004). Furthermore, the 30-day and in-hospital mortality of resistant gram-negative bacteraemia was significantly lower (20.4% vs.10.5%; P = 0.04 and 28.0% vs.16.1%; P = 0.03). The DOT of broad-spectrum antibiotics decreased except that of tazobactam/piperacillin. The susceptibilities of tazobactam/piperacillin, ceftazidime, cefepime, sulbactam/cefoperazone, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin levofloxacin, imipenem and meropenem were significantly better. Interventions by the AST can improve the clinical and microbiological outcomes, especially resistant gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, this effect of our ASP can continue for a long term.

Treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria: report of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy/Healthcare Infection Society/British Infection Association Joint Working Party

The Working Party makes more than 100 tabulated recommendations in antimicrobial prescribing for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) and suggest further research, and algorithms for hospital and community antimicrobial usage in urinary infection. The international definition of MDR is complex, unsatisfactory and hinders the setting and monitoring of improvement programmes. We give a new definition of multiresistance. The background information on the mechanisms, global spread and UK prevalence of antibiotic prescribing and resistance has been systematically reviewed. The treatment options available in hospitals using intravenous antibiotics and in primary care using oral agents have been reviewed, ending with a consideration of antibiotic stewardship and recommendations. The guidance has been derived from current peer-reviewed publications and expert opinion with open consultation. Methods for systematic review were NICE compliant and in accordance with the SIGN 50 Handbook; critical appraisal was applied using AGREE II. Published guidelines were used as part of the evidence base and to support expert consensus. The guidance includes recommendations for stakeholders (including prescribers) and antibiotic-specific recommendations. The clinical efficacy of different agents is critically reviewed. We found there are very few good-quality comparative randomized clinical trials to support treatment regimens, particularly for licensed older agents. Susceptibility testing of MDR GNB causing infection to guide treatment needs critical enhancements. Meropenem- or imipenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae should have their carbapenem MICs tested urgently, and any carbapenemase class should be identified: mandatory reporting of these isolates from all anatomical sites and specimens would improve risk assessments. Broth microdilution methods should be adopted for colistin susceptibility testing. Antimicrobial stewardship programmes should be instituted in all care settings, based on resistance rates and audit of compliance with guidelines, but should be augmented by improved surveillance of outcome in Gram-negative bacteraemia, and feedback to prescribers. Local and national surveillance of antibiotic use, resistance and outcomes should be supported and antibiotic prescribing guidelines should be informed by these data. The diagnosis and treatment of both presumptive and confirmed cases of infection by GNB should be improved. This guidance, with infection control to arrest increases in MDR, should be used to improve the outcome of infections with such strains. Anticipated users include medical, scientific, nursing, antimicrobial pharmacy and paramedical staff where they can be adapted for local use.

Development of a risk prediction model for hospital-onset Clostridium difficile infection in patients receiving systemic antibiotics

BACKGROUND

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is recognized as a significant challenge in health care. Identification of high-risk individuals is essential for the development of CDI prevention strategies. The objective of this study was to develop an easily implementable risk prediction model for hospital-onset CDI in patients receiving systemic antimicrobials.

METHODS

This retrospective, case-control, multicenter study included adult patients admitted to Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center and Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center from July 1, 2015, to July 1, 2017, who received systemic antibiotics. Cases were subjects with hospital-onset CDI; controls were subjects without a CDI diagnosis. Cases were matched 1:1 with controls by admitted medical unit type. Variables significantly associated with CDI were incorporated into a multivariate analysis. A logistic regression model was used to formulate a point-based risk prediction model. Positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were determined at various point cutoffs of the model. A receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve was created to assess the discrimination of the model.

RESULTS

A total of 200 subjects (100 cases and 100 controls) were included. Most patients were Caucasian and female. Risk factors for CDI identified and incorporated into the model included age ≥70 years (adjusted odds ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval 1.05-3.43; P = .0326) and recent hospitalization in the past 90 days (adjusted odds ratio, 3.55; 95% confidence interval 1.90-6.83; P < .0001). Sensitivity and specificity were 76% and 49%, respectively, for scores ≥2 and 20% and 93%, respectively, for a score of 6. Diagnostic performance of various score cutoffs for the model indicated that a score ≥2 was associated with the highest accuracy (63%). The receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve was 0.7.

DISCUSSION

We developed a simple-to-implement hospital-onset CDI risk model that included only independent risks that can be obtained immediately on presentation to the health care facility. Despite this, the model had fair discriminatory power. Similar risk factors were found in previously developed models; however, the utility of these models is limited owing to the difficulty of assessing other included risk factors and the inclusion of risk factors that cannot be evaluated until the patient is discharged from the health care facility.

CONCLUSIONS

Identification of hospitalized patients who are receiving systemic antibiotics, are ≥70 years old, and were recently admitted to the hospital in the past 90 days may allow for an easily implementable hospital-onset CDI risk prevention strategy.

Impact of an Unsolicited, Standardized Form-Based Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention to Improve Guideline Adherence in the Management of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia

Background

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) improve Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) management. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of unsolicited prospective audit and feedback (PAF) using a standardized SAB bundle form on the management of SAB.

Methods

Multicenter, pre-post quasi-experimental study of inpatients with SAB. The ASP developed an evidence-based SAB management bundle that included recommendations for infectious diseases consultation, blood culture clearance, appropriate empiric and definitive therapy, echocardiography, adequate treatment duration, and source control where applicable. ASP pharmacists performed PAF using a standardized form outlining bundle components. The primary outcome was bundle component adherence. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, 30-day readmission rate, and in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates.

Results

A total of 199 patients were included (preintervention group, 62; intervention group, 137). Bundle implementation with PAF resulted in significant improvements in infectious diseases consultation (56.5% in preintervention vs 93.4% in intervention group), appropriate definitive antibiotic therapy (83.9% vs 99.3%), ordering echocardiography (72.6% vs 95.6%), and adequate treatment duration (87.0% vs 100%) (all P < .001). Overall bundle adherence increased by 43.8% (P < .001). Readmission and 30-day mortality rates decreased, but this difference did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

Unsolicited PAF using a standardized SAB management bundle significantly improved adherence to evidence-based recommendations. This simple yet effective ASP-driven intervention can ensure consistent management of a highly morbid infection.