A scoping review and behavioural analysis of factors underlying overuse of antimicrobials

Evidence based QUality Improvement for Prescribing Stewardship in ICU (EQUIPS-ICU): protocol for type III hybrid implementation-effectiveness study

BACKGROUND

Approximately half of all antimicrobial prescriptions in intensive care units (ICUs) may be inappropriate, including those prescribed when not needed, in unnecessary combinations or for longer durations than needed. Inappropriate prescribing is costly, exposes patients to unnecessary side-effects and drives population-level antimicrobial resistance, the prevalence and consequences of which are greatest in low- and middle-income countries. However, the implementation of interventions to improve the appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing has been variable and requires further study.

METHODS

We propose a type III hybrid implementation/effectiveness interventional cohort trial in 35 ICUs in up to 11 low- and middle- income countries. The study intervention is a structured review of antimicrobial prescriptions as recommended by the World Health Organisation. Strategies to support stakeholder-led implementation include development of local protocols, registry-enabled audit and feedback, and education. Evaluation of implementation, and the determinants of its success, is informed by the RE-AIM framework and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research respectively. The primary outcome is a composite measure of fidelity, reach and adoption. Secondary outcomes describe the effectiveness of the intervention on improving antimicrobial prescribing. Qualitative interviews will assess relevant implementation acceptability, adaptations and maintenance. A baseline survey will investigate ICU-level antimicrobial stewardship structures and processes.

DISCUSSION

This study addresses global policy priorities by supporting implementation research of antimicrobial stewardship, and strengthening associated healthcare professional competencies. It does this in a setting where improvement is sorely needed: low- and middle- income country ICUs. The study will also describe the influence of pre-existing antimicrobial stewardship structures and processes on implementation and improve understanding about the efficacy of strategies to overcome barriers to implementation in these settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study protocol has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (ref NCT06666738) on 31 Oct 2004. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06666738?term=NCT06666738&rank=1 .

Subspecies typing on the example of klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

OBJECTIVE

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate sub-species typing by matrix-activated laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry on the example of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Karaganda region..

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and Methods: This study evaluated the potential of MALDI-TOF MS for epidemiological identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Karaganda region. A total of 47 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae obtained between 2015 and 2019 were typed. Mass spectra were taken using Microflex LT MALDI-TOF (Bruker) according to standard procedure.

RESULTS

Results: As a result, MALDI-TOF evaluation of subspecies typing on the example of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Karaganda region, predominantly showed the diversity of isolates, indicating their out-of-hospital nature. Based on all available information, including facts, sources, and experimental results, it can be reasonably concluded that the current study of Klebsiella pneumoniae does not provide a complete picture of the epidemiology of this microorganism.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: The current study provided a limited opportunity to investigate the genetic structure and diversity of Klebsiella pneumoniae subspecies more accurately. The findings suggest that the time-of-flight laser-ionisation ablation mass spectrometry method with magnetic focusing is more likely to detect differences in external characteristics between individual specimens of the same species than internal genetic variation in the microorganisms under study. The practical relevance of this study is to inform the development of more effective infection control strategies in clinical practice and infection control.

A qualitative analysis of the unwritten rules influencing antibiotic prescribing practices among French poultry veterinarians

Background

It is now recognized that a better understanding of prescriber behaviour is needed to improve antimicrobial stewardship programmes. Most studies conducted in the livestock sector have focused on farmers' perspectives, while the prescribing habits of veterinarians have remained overlooked.

Objective

Our study explored the psychosocial determinants associated with antibiotic prescribing practices in the French poultry sector by analysing the informal norms and unwritten rules that influence veterinarians' prescribing decisions.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted in four French regions in February 2021. Using the biographical narrative interpretive method, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 poultry veterinarians with varying professional experience. Three main themes were retained for data analysis: (i) compliance with and deviations from prescribing recommendations, (ii) the influence of fellow veterinarians on antibiotic decisions and (iii) the key role of veterinary corporate groups.

Results

When prescribing antibiotics, junior veterinarians were strongly influenced by senior veterinarians who acted as role models driving clinical practices. Prescribing habits were shared through peer networks in which veterinarians participated throughout their careers. Finally, veterinary corporate groups helped to shape veterinarians' prescribing habits by promoting existing guidelines and even producing in-house recommendations.

Conclusions

We show that, in parallel with official guidelines, prescribing habits circulate among veterinarians and are shared in professional circles. Therefore, antimicrobial stewardship interventions should focus not only on official guidelines and communication channels, but also unwritten professional rules and organizations influencing veterinarians' prescribing practices.

Ecologic analysis of antimicrobial use in South Carolina hospitals during 2020-2022

Background

Factors influencing excessive antimicrobial utilization in hospitalized patients remain poorly understood, particularly with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort, we compared administrative data regarding antimicrobial prescriptions in hospitalized patients in South Carolina from March 2020 through September 2022. The study examined variables associated with antimicrobial use across demographics, COVID status, and length of stay, among other variables.

Results

Significant relationships were seen with antimicrobial use in COVID-19 positive patients (OR 2.00, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.9-2.1), young adults (OR 1.08, 95% CI: 0.99-1.12, COVID-19 positive Blacks and Hispanics (OR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.11, OR 1.05, 95% CI: 0.89-1.23), and COVID-19 positive patients with ≥2 comorbid conditions (OR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.43-1.68).

Discussion

Further analysis in more than one healthcare system should explore these ecologic relationships further to understand if these are common trends to inform ongoing stewardship interventions.

Empowering Low- and Middle-Income Countries to Combat AMR by Minimal Use of Antibiotics: A Way Forward

Antibiotic overuse poses a critical global health concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where access to quality healthcare and effective regulatory frameworks often fall short. This issue necessitates a thorough examination of the factors contributing to antibiotic overuse in LMICs, including weak healthcare infrastructure, limited access to quality services, and deficiencies in diagnostic capabilities. To address these challenges, regulatory frameworks should be implemented to restrict non-prescription sales, and accessible point-of-care diagnostic tools must be emphasized. Furthermore, the establishment of effective stewardship programs, the expanded use of vaccines, and the promotion of health systems, hygiene, and sanitation are all crucial components in combating antibiotic overuse. A comprehensive approach that involves collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and educators is essential for success. Improving healthcare infrastructure, enhancing access to quality services, and strengthening diagnostic capabilities are paramount. Equally important are education and awareness initiatives to promote responsible antibiotic use, the implementation of regulatory measures, the wider utilization of vaccines, and international cooperation to tackle the challenges of antibiotic overuse in LMICs.

How can we tackle the overuse of antibiotics in low- and middle-income countries?

INTRODUCTION

Antibiotic overuse is a pressing global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where there is limited access to quality healthcare and insufficient regulation of antibiotic dispensation. This perspective piece highlights the challenges of antibiotic overuse in LMICs and provides insights into potential solutions to address this issue.

AREAS COVERED

This perspective explores key factors contributing to antibiotic overuse in LMICs, encompassing weak healthcare infrastructure, limited access to quality services, and deficiencies in diagnostic capabilities. It discusses regulatory frameworks to curb non-prescription sales, the role of accessible point-of-care diagnostic tools, challenges in implementing effective stewardship programs, the expanded use of vaccines, and the importance of health systems, hygiene, and sanitation.

EXPERT OPINION

In this article, we emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach involving collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and educators. We underscore the importance of improving healthcare infrastructure, enhancing access to quality services, and strengthening diagnostic capabilities. The article also highlights the significance of education and awareness in promoting responsible antibiotic use, the role of regulatory measures, the expanded utilization of vaccines, and the need for international collaboration to address the challenges of antibiotic overuse in LMICs.