1
|
Abdellatife OE, Makowsky MJ. Factors influencing Implementation of point-of-care testing for acute respiratory infectious diseases in community pharmacies: A scoping review using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation research. Res Social Adm Pharm 2024; 20:1-24. [PMID: 38431516 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence suggests pharmacy-based point-of-care (POC) testing for acute respiratory infectious diseases is beneficial, but not widely implemented. A theory-informed review to understand the factors influencing service Implementation is lacking. OBJECTIVE To examine the extent, range, and nature of research available on enablers and barriers to POC testing Implementation for infectious respiratory diseases in community pharmacies and identify their underpinning theoretical constructs using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). METHODS Scoping review guided by the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. A comprehensive search from inception to June 28th, 2022 was conducted using Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest dissertations without date or language restriction. Eligible articles investigated barriers and/or facilitators to strep throat, influenza, C-reactive protein, and COVID-19 POC testing in community pharmacies. Two reviewers independently performed title & abstract screening, full-text screening, and data extraction. Content analysis was conducted according to a pre-established Framework and concepts were mapped to the CFIR. RESULTS Forty-three studies were included. Most originated from the USA (n = 24; 56%) and investigated strep throat. The majority were testing/initial Implementation projects (n = 23; 54%) conducted in urban centers (n = 17; 40%). Thirty-six (84%) studies used quantitative methodology, while 6 (14%) were qualitative. Only four studies (9%) used theory to guide their inquiry. The 124 identified Implementation factors mapped onto 21 CFIR constructs, covering all 5 domains. The domain "Outer setting" (n = 35/43; 81%) was most prevalent as were the constructs "Patient needs and resources," (n = 21/43; 49%) "External policy & incentives," (n = 17/43; 40%) and "Relative advantage" (n = 17/43; 40%). CONCLUSION A large volume of research explores factors influencing the Implementation of pharmacy-based respiratory infectious disease POC testing services, but few studies use qualitative or theory-informed methods. Knowledge of the wide range of facilitators and barriers identified can help pharmacy managers and researchers design strategies to support successful service Implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omar E Abdellatife
- Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 1C9
| | - Mark J Makowsky
- Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 1C9.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chan JTN, Nguyen V, Tran TN, Nguyen NV, Do NTT, van Doorn HR, Lewycka S. Point-of-care testing in private pharmacy and drug retail settings: a narrative review. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:551. [PMID: 37612636 PMCID: PMC10463283 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08480-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care testing (POCT) using rapid diagnostic tests for infectious disease can potentially guide appropriate use of antimicrobials, reduce antimicrobial resistance, and economise use of healthcare resources. POCT implementation in private retail settings such as pharmacies and drug shops could lessen the burden on public healthcare. We performed a narrative review on studies of POCTs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and explored uptake, impact on treatment, and feasibility of implementation. METHODS We searched MEDLINE/PubMed for interventional studies on the implementation of POCT for infectious diseases performed by personnel in private retail settings. Data were extracted and analysed by two independent reviewers. RESULTS Of the 848 studies retrieved, 23 were included in the review. Studies were on malaria (19/23), malaria and pneumonia (3/23) or respiratory tract infection (1/23). Nine randomised controlled studies, four controlled, non-randomised studies, five uncontrolled interventions, one interventional pre-post study, one cross-over interventional study and three retrospective analyses of RCTs were included. Study quality was poor. Overall, studies showed that POCT can be implemented successfully, leading to improvements in appropriate treatment as measured by outcomes like adherence to treatment guidelines. Despite some concerns by health workers, customers and shop providers were welcoming of POCT implementation in private retail settings. Main themes that arose from the review included the need for well-structured training with post-training certification covering guidelines for test-negative patients, integrated waste management, community sensitization and demand generation activities, financial remuneration and pricing schemes for providers, and formal linkage to healthcare and support. CONCLUSION Our review found evidence that POCT can be implemented successfully in private retail settings in LMICs, but comprehensive protocols are needed. High-quality randomised studies are needed to understand POCTs for infectious diseases other than malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Van Nguyen
- Doctor of Medicine Programme, Duke National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thuy Ngan Tran
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - H Rogier van Doorn
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sonia Lewycka
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Essack S, Bell J, Burgoyne D, Eljaaly K, Tongrod W, Markham T, Shephard A, López-Pintor E. Addressing Consumer Misconceptions on Antibiotic Use and Resistance in the Context of Sore Throat: Learnings from Social Media Listening. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:957. [PMID: 37370276 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12060957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A misunderstanding of the mechanism of action and bacterial targets of antibiotics by consumers may drive inappropriate antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Tackling AMR requires an in-depth understanding of consumer beliefs and misconceptions. We explored consumer conversations on a number of social media platforms on antibiotic use and AMR in the context of sore throat and how coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected online conversations between 1 January 2018 and 25 November 2021 across eight countries. Five distinct consumer groups were identified (antibiotic-preserving peer educators, antibiotic-cautious consumers, medication-resistant antibiotic opponents, believers in the strength of antibiotics, determined pro-antibiotic consumers) with a wide spectrum of beliefs around antibiotics in sore throat. Many opinions were based upon misconceptions, the most prominent of which was that antibiotics are strong medications that can treat all types of sore throat. COVID-19 had a multifaceted effect on the sore throat and AMR conversation. Sore throat triggered anxiety as consumers feared it may be a COVID-19 symptom while engagement in conversations around antibiotics for COVID-19 increased. Finally, consumers sought multiple routes to access antibiotics, such as directly from the pharmacy or by attempting to persuade physicians to prescribe. Knowledge obtained from this study could be used to develop focused approaches to dispel consumer misconceptions and mitigate AMR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabiha Essack
- Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - John Bell
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Douglas Burgoyne
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Khalid Eljaaly
- Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wirat Tongrod
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand
| | | | - Adrian Shephard
- Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare International Ltd., Slough SL1 3UH, Berkshire, UK
| | - Elsa López-Pintor
- Department of Engineering, Area of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03550 Alicante, Spain
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mantzourani E, Wasag D, Cannings-John R, Ahmed H, Evans A. Characteristics of the sore throat test and treat service in community pharmacies (STREP) in Wales: cross-sectional analysis of 11 304 consultations using anonymized electronic pharmacy records. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 78:84-92. [PMID: 36272134 PMCID: PMC9780525 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An NHS-funded sore throat test and treat (STTT) service was introduced in selected community pharmacies in Wales. Service users were screened using FeverPAIN/Centor scores, offered rapid antigen detection testing (RADT) to detect group A Streptococcus if appropriate, and supplied with antibiotics (by the pharmacist) if indicated. Following an initial evaluation, the service was rolled out nationally. OBJECTIVES This study forms part of the long-term STTT evaluation. The aim was to describe characteristics of the service and service users, the delivery, service outcomes, patient safety and antibiotic prescribing. METHODS Cross-sectional descriptive study using anonymized individual-level data from electronic pharmacy records of all eligible STTT service users between November 2018 and February 2020. RESULTS We identified 11 304 pharmacy STTT consultations in service users aged 6 years and over, with a median age of 25 years (IQR: 12 to 44). RADT was undertaken in 8666 (76.7%) consultations with 2503 (28.9% of RADT) positive tests. In total, 2406 (21.3%) service users were supplied with antibiotics. Pharmacists managed 91% of consultations in the pharmacy and referred only 937 (9.3%) service users to a GP and 27 (0.2%) to the Emergency Department. Higher rates of antibiotic supply were observed in out-of-hours consultations when compared with in-hours (24.9% versus 20.9%). CONCLUSIONS This is the largest description of a pharmacy-led STTT service to date and suggests it can be delivered at scale to align with a pre-specified pathway that promotes appropriate use of RADT and antibiotics. The service could substantially reduce workload from a common illness in other heavily pressurized areas of primary and emergency care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Wasag
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | | | - Haroon Ahmed
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Andrew Evans
- Primary Care Services, Welsh Government, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sarangarm P, Huerena TA, Norii T, Walraven CJ. Antibiotic Prescribing in Adults Presenting with Pharyngitis Pre- and Post-Implementation of a Rapid Group A Streptococcus Test. Hosp Pharm 2022; 57:309-314. [PMID: 35601722 PMCID: PMC9117770 DOI: 10.1177/00185787211032365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis is the most common bacterial cause of acute pharyngitis and is often over treated with unnecessary antibiotics. The purpose was to evaluate if implementation of a rapid antigen detection test (RADT) for GAS would reduce the number of inappropriately prescribed antibiotics for adult patients presenting with symptoms of pharyngitis. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of adult urgent care clinic patients pre- and post-implementation of a GAS RADT. We included patients who had a diagnosis of GAS identified via ICD-10 codes and either a throat culture, GAS RADT, or antibiotic prescribed for GAS. Antibiotic prescribing was assessed as appropriate or inappropriate based on testing and IDSA guideline recommendations. Thirty-day follow-up visits related to pharyngitis or the prescribed antibiotics was also evaluated. Results: A total of 1734 patients were included; 912 and 822 in the pre- and post-implementation groups, respectively. Following implementation of the GAS RADT, there was an increase in the number of antibiotics prescribed for GAS (43.4% vs 59.1%, P < .001) as well as an increase in appropriate prescribing (67.6% vs 77.5%, P < .001). More 30-day pharyngitis-related follow-up visits were seen in the pre-intervention group (12.5% vs 9.3%, P = .03). Conclusion: Implementation of a RADT for GAS pharyngitis was associated with an increase in both the overall number of antibiotic prescriptions for GAS and the proportion of appropriately prescribed antibiotics. There was also a reduction in follow up visits related to GAS pharyngitis, however educational efforts to further increase appropriate prescribing is needed.
Collapse
|
6
|
Avire NJ, Whiley H, Ross K. A Review of Streptococcus pyogenes: Public Health Risk Factors, Prevention and Control. Pathogens 2021; 10:248. [PMID: 33671684 PMCID: PMC7926438 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes, (colloquially named "group A streptococcus" (GAS)), is a pathogen of public health significance, infecting 18.1 million people worldwide and resulting in 500,000 deaths each year. This review identified published articles on the risk factors and public health prevention and control strategies for mitigating GAS diseases. The pathogen causing GAS diseases is commonly transmitted via respiratory droplets, touching skin sores caused by GAS or through contact with contaminated material or equipment. Foodborne transmission is also possible, although there is need for further research to quantify this route of infection. It was found that GAS diseases are highly prevalent in developing countries, and among indigenous populations and low socioeconomic areas in developed countries. Children, the immunocompromised and the elderly are at the greatest risk of S. pyogenes infections and the associated sequelae, with transmission rates being higher in schools, kindergartens, hospitals and residential care homes. This was attributed to overcrowding and the higher level of social contact in these settings. Prevention and control measures should target the improvement of living conditions, and personal and hand hygiene. Adherence to infection prevention and control practices should be emphasized in high-risk settings. Resource distribution by governments, especially in developed countries, should also be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kirstin Ross
- Environmental Health, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide 5001, Australia; (N.J.A.); (H.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
ASLANER H, MISTIK S, ERTÜRK ZARARSIZ G, KILIÇ H, ÇETİN BENLİ N. Evaluation of the Use of the Mistik Score and Modified Centor Score in Sore Throat. KONURALP TIP DERGISI 2021. [DOI: 10.18521/ktd.839462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
|
8
|
Rusic D, Bukić J, Seselja Perisin A, Leskur D, Modun D, Petric A, Vilovic M, Bozic J. Are We Making the Most of Community Pharmacies? Implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship Measures in Community Pharmacies: A Narrative Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10010063. [PMID: 33440609 PMCID: PMC7827930 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Community pharmacists recognize the need to implement antimicrobial stewardship activities in community pharmacies. They are in a unique position to provide triage for common primary care indications and to lower the burden of patients at general practitioners’ offices. However, research shows that, in some areas, dispensing of antimicrobials without valid prescription is still highly prevalent. Regardless of training, every community pharmacist can give his contribution to antimicrobial stewardship. One of the basic elements should be antimicrobial dispensing according to regulations, either prescription only, or according to guidelines where pharmacists have prescribing authority. Patient consultation supported with educational materials, such as leaflets, may reduce patients’ expectations to receive antibiotics for self-limiting infections and reduce pressure on general practitioners to prescribe antibiotics on patients’ demand. Treatment optimization may be achieved in collaboration with the prescribing general practitioners or by providing feedback. At last, pharmacists provided with additional training may be encouraged to provide consultation services to long-term care facilities, to introduce point-of-care testing for infectious diseases in their pharmacies or prescribe antimicrobials for uncomplicated infections. These services are welcomed by patients and communities. Expanding pharmacy services and pharmacists’ prescribing autonomy have shown a positive impact by reducing antibiotics consumption, thus ensuring better compliance with treatment guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doris Rusic
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia; (D.R.); (J.B.); (A.S.P.); (D.L.); (D.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Josipa Bukić
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia; (D.R.); (J.B.); (A.S.P.); (D.L.); (D.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Ana Seselja Perisin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia; (D.R.); (J.B.); (A.S.P.); (D.L.); (D.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Dario Leskur
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia; (D.R.); (J.B.); (A.S.P.); (D.L.); (D.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Darko Modun
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia; (D.R.); (J.B.); (A.S.P.); (D.L.); (D.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Ana Petric
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia; (D.R.); (J.B.); (A.S.P.); (D.L.); (D.M.); (A.P.)
- The Split-Dalmatia County Pharmacy, Dugopoljska 3, 21 204 Dugopolje, Croatia
| | - Marino Vilovic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Josko Bozic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pontinha VM, Wagner TD, Holdford DA. Point-of-care testing in pharmacies-An evaluation of the service from the lens of resource-based theory of competitive advantage. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2020; 61:e45-e54. [PMID: 33309067 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care tests (POCTs) are innovative services that are increasingly offered in community pharmacies. Assessments of these services should consider their financial sustainability in addition to their effectiveness if they are to be successful over time in a competitive environment. OBJECTIVES The aim of this research was to review and evaluate the POCT practice innovations literature through the lens of the resource-based theory (RBT) of competitive advantage. DATA SOURCES Articles describing POCT services were identified systematically through PubMed, exclusively. STUDY SELECTION All POCT articles in the review met the following inclusion criteria: (1) articles were published after 1999; (2) interventions were pharmacist-led innovations within a community pharmacy; (3) articles described research studies with results; and (4) articles were published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. DATA EXTRACTION The RBT was operationalized using a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats matrix and a business model canvas, which were employed to extract and analyze data. Articles were assessed according to the degree to which they articulated elements that the RBT needed to assess their financial sustainability in targeted markets. RESULTS A total of 36 articles describing POCTs and associated services were included in this review. Most of the studies reported aspects pertaining to the contextual environment of the innovation, value proposition, key activities, partners, and channels of distribution. However, the competitive dimension of the environment, as well as the cost structure and revenue streams, were often neglected in the studies. CONCLUSIONS The RBT is a widely tested framework that can be used for planning and reporting POCT practice innovations. On the basis of this framework, pharmacists seem to do a good job in describing how to provide POCT but fall short in explaining how these services are sustainable over time.
Collapse
|
10
|
Essack S, Bell J, Burgoyne D, Tongrod W, Duerden M, Sessa A, Altiner A, Shephard A. Point-of-Care Testing for Pharyngitis in the Pharmacy. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:E743. [PMID: 33126412 PMCID: PMC7693205 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9110743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharyngitis (also known as sore throat) is a common, predominately viral, self-limiting condition which can be symptomatically managed without antibiotic treatment. Inappropriate antibiotic use for pharyngitis contributes to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance. However, a small proportion of sore throats caused by group A streptococcal (GAS) infection may benefit from the provision of antibiotics. Establishing the cause of infection is therefore an important step in effective antibiotic stewardship. Point-of-care (POC) tests, where results are available within minutes, can distinguish between viral and GAS pharyngitis and can therefore guide treatment in primary healthcare settings such as community pharmacies, which are often the first point of contact with the healthcare system. In this opinion article, the evidence for the use of POC testing in the community pharmacy has been discussed. Evidence suggests that pharmacy POC testing can promote appropriate antibiotic use and reduce the need for general practitioner consultations. Challenges to implementation include cost, training and 'who prescribes', with country and regional differences presenting a particular issue. Despite these challenges, POC testing for pharyngitis has become widely available in pharmacies in some countries and may represent a strategy to contain antibiotic resistance and contribute to antimicrobial stewardship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabiha Essack
- Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - John Bell
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - Douglas Burgoyne
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
| | - Wirat Tongrod
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand;
| | - Martin Duerden
- School of Medicine, Centre for Medical Education, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK;
| | - Aurelio Sessa
- Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care (SIMG, Società Italiana di Medicina Generale delle Cure Primarie), 50142 Florence, Italy;
| | - Attila Altiner
- Institute of General Practice, Rostock University Medical Center, 18055 Rostock, Germany;
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mustafa Z, Ghaffari M. Diagnostic Methods, Clinical Guidelines, and Antibiotic Treatment for Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis: A Narrative Review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:563627. [PMID: 33178623 PMCID: PMC7593338 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.563627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis is infection by Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS), commonly known as strep throat. 5-15% of adults and 15-35% of children in the United States with pharyngitis have a GABHS infection. The symptoms of GABHS overlap with non-GABHS and viral causes of acute pharyngitis, complicating the problem of diagnosis. A careful physical examination and patient history is the starting point for diagnosing GABHS. After a physical examination and patient history is completed, five types of diagnostic methods can be used to ascertain the presence of a GABHS infection: clinical scoring systems, rapid antigen detection tests, throat culture, nucleic acid amplification tests, and machine learning and artificial intelligence. Clinical guidelines developed by professional associations can help medical professionals choose among available techniques to diagnose strep throat. However, guidelines for diagnosing GABHS created by the American and European professional associations vary significantly, and there is substantial evidence that most physicians do not follow any published guidelines. Treatment for GABHS using analgesics, antipyretics, and antibiotics seeks to provide symptom relief, shorten the duration of illness, prevent nonsuppurative and suppurative complications, and decrease the risk of contagion, while minimizing the unnecessary use of antibiotics. There is broad agreement that antibiotics with narrow spectrums of activity are appropriate for treating strep throat. But whether and when patients should be treated with antibiotics for GABHS remains a controversial question. There is no clearly superior management strategy for strep throat, as significant controversy exists regarding the best methods to diagnose GABHS and under what conditions antibiotics should be prescribed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahid Mustafa
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Masoumeh Ghaffari
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cole KA, Rivard KR, Dumkow LE. Antimicrobial Stewardship Interventions to Combat Antibiotic Resistance: an Update on Targeted Strategies. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2019; 21:33. [PMID: 31473861 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-019-0689-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Overutilization of antimicrobials is a known contributor to the development of antimicrobial resistance, which is a threat to global health. The goal of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) is to implement targeted interventions to reduce inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing and prevent development of antimicrobial resistance. We aim to review recently published literature focused on five categories of ASP interventions that have demonstrated success in optimizing appropriate antimicrobial use, improving patient outcomes, and fighting antimicrobial resistance. RECENT FINDINGS In the past year, ASP interventions in the published literature have focused on minimizing duration of antimicrobial therapy for infectious syndromes, implementing novel methods for performing prospective audit and feedback, utilizing microbiology laboratory or rapid diagnostic tests to expedite diagnosis, leveraging clinical decision support and electronic medical record tools, and performing penicillin allergy assessment. While the majority of studies assessing ASP interventions do not assess changes in antimicrobial resistance, outcomes demonstrating improved appropriate antibiotic use have been used as a surrogate. Successful ASPs should seek to implement and evaluate novel interventions targeting improvement in antimicrobial prescribing. Such interventions are of critical importance to prevent further growth of antimicrobial resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelli A Cole
- Department of Pharmacy Services, University of Toledo Medical Center, 3000 Arlington Ave. MS 1013, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA.
| | - Kaitlyn R Rivard
- Department of Pharmacy, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue (Hb-105), Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Lisa E Dumkow
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, 200 Jefferson SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Detection of group a Streptococcus in pharyngitis by two rapid tests: comparison of the BD Veritor™ and the QuikRead go® Strep A. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 38:1179-1185. [PMID: 30852698 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03527-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
We compared the performance of two rapid antigen tests-QuikRead go® Strep A test (Orion Diagnostica, Espoo, Finland) and BD Veritor™ system (Becton, Dickinson and Company, Sparks, MD) with throat culture. Our aim was to evaluate each assay's performance and agreement compared to throat culture in order to choose one of the assays as a point-of-care test in the emergency room. One hundred throat samples were collected in triplicates from patients with suspected pharyngitis admitted to the emergency room. One throat swab was seeded for a throat culture. The other two throat swabs from each patient were analyzed at the emergency room by the QuikRead go® Strep A test, and by the BD Veritor™ system, according to each manufacturer's instructions. Agreement level between BD Veritor™ test and throat culture was 79%; sensitivity and specificity of this test were 80% and 78.7%, respectively. QuikRead go® Strep A test had an agreement level of 75% with throat culture; sensitivity and specificity of this test were 80% and 73.3%, respectively. Both tests have a good diagnostic performance. Other characteristics such as costs, size of instrument, and ease of implementation should be taken into consideration when choosing a point-of-care test.
Collapse
|