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Baillie EJ, Merlo G, Biezen R, Peprah Boaitey K, Magin PJ, van Driel ML, Hall L. Diagnosis and management of acute infections during telehealth consultations in Australian general practice: a qualitative study. BJGP Open 2024; 8:BJGPO.2023.0142. [PMID: 38092442 PMCID: PMC11169986 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0142] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of telehealth has increased dramatically since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about how GPs manage acute infections during telehealth, and the potential impact on antimicrobial stewardship. AIM To explore the experiences and perceptions of GP trainees' and supervisors' use of telehealth, and how it influences their management of acute infections. DESIGN & SETTING Australian GP registrars (trainees) and supervisors were recruited via email through their training organisations. Semi-structured interviews with 18 participants were conducted between July and August 2022. METHOD Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a reflexive thematic approach. RESULTS We identified six overall themes. 1. Participants experienced impaired diagnostic capacity during telehealth consultations. 2. Attempts to improve diagnostic acuity included various methods, such as having patients self-examine. 3. The management of clinical uncertainty frequently entailed referring patients for in-person assessment, overinvestigating, or overtreating. 4. Antibiotic prescribing decisions during telehealth were informed by less information than were in-person consults, with varying impact. 5. Participants believed that other GPs improperly prescribed antibiotics during telehealth. 6. Supervisors believed that registrars hadn't developed the knowledge or skills to determine when conditions could be managed appropriately via telehealth. CONCLUSION Telehealth has potential for reducing transmission of acute infections and increasing access to healthcare. However, the implications of GPs, especially less experienced GPs, making diagnoses with less certainty, and consequently compromising antimicrobial stewardship, are a concern. Patient self-assessment tools may improve outcomes of telehealth consultations for acute infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Baillie
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QL, Australia
| | - Gregory Merlo
- Healthcare Improvement Unit, Queensland Health, Bowen Hills, Brisbane, QL, Australia
| | - Ruby Biezen
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VI, Australia
| | - Kwame Peprah Boaitey
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, QL, Australia
| | - Parker J Magin
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- GP Training Research Department, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QL, Australia
| | - Lisa Hall
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QL, Australia
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Henley J, Brookes-Howell L, Euden J, Pallmann P, Llewelyn M, Howard P, Powell N, Dark P, Szakmany T, Hellyer TP, Albur M, Hamilton R, Prestwich G, Ogden M, Maboshe W, Sandoe J, Thomas-Jones E, Carrol E. Developing a model for decision-making around antibiotic prescribing for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in acute NHS hospitals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: qualitative results from the Procalcitonin Evaluation of Antibiotic use in COVID-19 Hospitalised patients (PEACH Study). BMJ Open 2023; 13:e077117. [PMID: 38114276 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore and model factors affecting antibiotic prescribing decision-making early in the pandemic. DESIGN Semistructured qualitative interview study. SETTING National Health Service (NHS) trusts/health boards in England and Wales. PARTICIPANTS Clinicians from NHS trusts/health boards in England and Wales. METHOD Individual semistructured interviews were conducted with clinicians in six NHS trusts/health boards in England and Wales as part of the Procalcitonin Evaluation of Antibiotic use in COVID-19 Hospitalised patients study, a wider study that included statistical analysis of procalcitonin (PCT) use in hospitals during the first wave of the pandemic. Thematic analysis was used to identify key factors influencing antibiotic prescribing decisions for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia during the first wave of the pandemic (March to May 2020), including how much influence PCT test results had on these decisions. RESULTS During the first wave of the pandemic, recommendations to prescribe antibiotics for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were based on concerns about secondary bacterial infections. However, as clinicians gained more experience with COVID-19, they reported increasing confidence in their ability to distinguish between symptoms and signs caused by SARS-CoV-2 viral infection alone, and secondary bacterial infections. Antibiotic prescribing decisions were influenced by factors such as clinician experience, confidence, senior support, situational factors and organisational influences. A decision-making model was developed. CONCLUSION This study provides insight into the decision-making process around antibiotic prescribing for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia during the first wave of the pandemic. The importance of clinician experience and of senior review of decisions as factors in optimising antibiotic stewardship is highlighted. In addition, situational and organisational factors were identified that could be optimised. The model presented in the study can be used as a tool to aid understanding of the complexity of the decision-making process around antibiotic prescribing and planning antimicrobial stewardship support in the context of a pandemic. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN66682918.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josie Henley
- School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Joanne Euden
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff, UK
| | - Philip Pallmann
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff, UK
| | - Martin Llewelyn
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Philip Howard
- School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Pharmacy, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, UK
| | - Neil Powell
- Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Truro, UK
| | - Paul Dark
- Intensive Care Unit, University of Manchester, Salford, UK
| | - Tamas Szakmany
- Critical Care Directorate, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, UK
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff Univeristy, Cardiff, UK
| | - Thomas P Hellyer
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Ryan Hamilton
- School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Margaret Ogden
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | | | - Jonathan Sandoe
- Department of Microbiology, The General Infirmary at Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Healthcare Associated Infection Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Enitan Carrol
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Sulayyim HJA, Ismail R, Hamid AA, Abdul Ghafar N. Healthcare commissioners' experience with antibiotic resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 17:2290671. [PMID: 38205192 PMCID: PMC10775715 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2023.2290671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The occurrence of antibiotic resistance (AR) has become a critical issue during the Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study explores the experiences of healthcare commissioners with AR during the COVID-19 pandemic, identifies challenges, and provides recommendations for combating AR during pandemics. Methods This qualitative study was multi-centered and used a phenomenological approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between December 2022 and January 2023 among 11 health commissioners using video calls. Results Seven themes emerged from the data, including knowledge of AR and its consequences, the antibiotic prescription system, the future of AR and potential contributory factors, the impact of COVID-19 on AR and their relationship, the experience of AR during the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare facilities, barriers that prevent the misuse of antibiotics during pandemics, and recommendations regarding antibiotic resistance during pandemics. Conclusion The findings of this study could be used to inform policy and practice for government healthcare workers (HCWs) and the public. Furthermore, this study identified the main challenges of AR during the pandemic, and the recommendations of health commissioners were provided accordingly. Such recommendations could be beneficial on a national and international scale to reduce the impact of future pandemics on AR. Abbreviations COVID-19: Novel coronavirus disease 2019; AR: Antibiotic Resistance; IPC: Infection prevention and control; MDRO: multi-drug resistant organism; ASP: Antimicrobial Stewardship Program; HCW: Healthcare worker; KSA: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; WHO: World Health Organization; MOH: Ministry of Health; MOEWA: Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture; AMR: Antimicrobial Resistance; PHCC: Primary Healthcare Center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Jaber Al Sulayyim
- Interdisciplinary Health Unit, School of Health Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia (Health Campus), Kubang Kerian11800, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Saudi Ministry of Health, Najran Health Affairs, Infection Prevention and Control Department, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rohani Ismail
- Interdisciplinary Health Unit, School of Health Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia (Health Campus), Kubang Kerian11800, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Abdullah Al Hamid
- College of Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, King Faisal University, AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noraini Abdul Ghafar
- Biomedicine Program, School of Health Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia (Health Campus), Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Courtenay M, Gillespie D, Lim R. Patterns of GP and nurse independent prescriber prescriptions for antibiotics dispensed in the community in England: a retrospective analysis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2023; 78:2544-2553. [PMID: 37624939 PMCID: PMC10545513 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkad267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physician-nurse task shifting, a process of delegation whereby tasks are moved to other specialized healthcare workers, is used in primary care in many countries to improve access, efficiency and quality of care. One such task is the prescription of medicines. OBJECTIVES To identify nurse independent prescriber (NIP) and GP numbers in England, the proportions and types of NIP and GP antibiotic prescriptions dispensed in the community, and the impact of COVID-19 on the volume, rate and types of antibiotic prescriptions dispensed. METHODS Descriptive population-based retrospective cohort study using routinely collected data on prescriptions for antibiotics dispensed in the community in England between January 2014 and October 2021. RESULTS Between 2014 and 2021, numbers (headcount) of NIPs whose prescriptions were dispensed in the community rose by 146% to 34 997. GP numbers (headcount) rose by 10% to 44 681. Of the 25.373 million antibiotic prescriptions dispensed between 2014 and 2021, NIPs were responsible for 8.6%. The rate of dispensed antibiotic prescriptions per prescriber per calendar year decreased (by 50% for NIPs and by 21% for GPs) between 2014 and 2020. This decreasing trend continued following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic across both groups. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics (penicillins, macrolides, tetracyclines) were the most frequently dispensed across both NIPs and GPs. CONCLUSIONS NIPs are an increasing contributory influence on total antibiotic prescribing and should be included in antimicrobial stewardship efforts. Interventions for this group need to be tailored to the population and context in which they work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Courtenay
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - David Gillespie
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Rosemary Lim
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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Kraus M, Stegner C, Reiss M, Riedel M, Børsch AS, Vrangbaek K, Michel M, Turmaine K, Cseh B, Dózsa CL, Dandi R, Mori AR, Czypionka T. The role of primary care during the pandemic: shared experiences from providers in five European countries. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1054. [PMID: 37784101 PMCID: PMC10546726 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09998-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated wide-ranging adaptations to the organisation of health systems, and primary care is no exception. This article aims to collate insights on the role of primary care during the pandemic. The gained knowledge helps to increase pandemic preparedness and resilience. METHODS The role of primary care during the pandemic in five European countries (Austria, Denmark, France, Hungary, Italy) was investigated using a qualitative approach, namely case study, based on document analysis and semi-structured interviews. In total, 31 interviews were conducted with primary care providers between June and August 2022. The five country case studies were subjected to an overarching analysis focusing on successful strategies as well as gaps and failures regarding pandemic management in primary care. RESULTS Primary care providers identified disruptions to service delivery as a major challenge emerging from the pandemic which led to a widespread adoption of telehealth. Despite the rapid increase in telehealth usage and efforts of primary care providers to organise face-to-face care delivery in a safe way, some patient groups were particularly affected by disruptions in service delivery. Moreover, primary care providers perceived a substantial propagation of misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines among the population, which also threatened patient-physician relationships. At the same time, primary care providers faced an increased workload, had to work with insufficient personal protective equipment and were provided incongruous guidelines from public authorities. There was a consensus among primary care providers that they were mostly sidelined by public health policy in the context of pandemic management. Primary care providers tackled these problems through a diverse set of measures including home visits, implementing infection control measures, refurbishing used masks, holding internal meetings and relying on their own experiences as well as information shared by colleagues. CONCLUSION Primary care providers were neither well prepared nor the focus of initial policy making. However, they implemented creative solutions to the problems they faced and applying the learnings from the pandemic could help in increasing the resilience of primary care. Attributes of an integrated health system with a strong primary care component proved beneficial in addressing immediate effects of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Kraus
- Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS), Josefstädter Straße 39, Vienna, 1080, Austria.
| | - Christoph Stegner
- Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS), Josefstädter Straße 39, Vienna, 1080, Austria
| | - Miriam Reiss
- Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS), Josefstädter Straße 39, Vienna, 1080, Austria
| | - Monika Riedel
- Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS), Josefstädter Straße 39, Vienna, 1080, Austria
| | - Anne Sofie Børsch
- University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, Copenhagen K, 1353, Denmark
| | - Karsten Vrangbaek
- University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, Copenhagen K, 1353, Denmark
| | - Morgane Michel
- Université Paris Cité, ECEVE, UMR 1123, 10 avenue de Verdun, Inserm, Paris, 75010, France
- Unité d'épidémiologie clinique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Robert Debré, 48 boulevard Sérurier, Paris, 75019, France
| | - Kathleen Turmaine
- Université Paris Cité, ECEVE, UMR 1123, 10 avenue de Verdun, Inserm, Paris, 75010, France
| | - Borbála Cseh
- University of Miskolc, Egyetem út 1, Miskolc-Egyetemváros, 3515, Hungary
| | - Csaba László Dózsa
- University of Miskolc, Egyetem út 1, Miskolc-Egyetemváros, 3515, Hungary
| | - Roberto Dandi
- Luiss Business School, Via Nomentana 216, Roma, 00162, RM, Italy
| | - Angelo Rossi Mori
- Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies, Via Palestro 32, Roma, 00185, Italy
| | - Thomas Czypionka
- Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS), Josefstädter Straße 39, Vienna, 1080, Austria
- London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE, UK
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6
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Campbell A, Borek AJ, McLeod M, Tonkin-Crine S, Pouwels KB, Roope LS, Hayhoe BW, Majeed A, Walker AS, Holmes A. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antimicrobial stewardship support for general practices in England: a qualitative interview study. BJGP Open 2023; 7:BJGPO.2022.0193. [PMID: 37290780 PMCID: PMC10646204 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2022.0193] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In England, clinical commissioning group (CCG; now replaced by Integrated Care Systems [ICSs]) and primary care network (PCN) professionals support primary care prescribers to optimise antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). AIM To explore views and experiences of CCG and PCN staff in supporting AMS, and the impact of COVID-19 on this support. DESIGN & SETTING Qualitative interview study in primary care in England. METHOD Semi-structured interviews with staff from CCG and PCNs responsible for AMS were conducted at two timepoints via telephone. These were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically. RESULTS Twenty-seven interviews were conducted with 14 participants (nine CCG, five PCN) in December 2020-January 2021 and February-May 2021. The study found that AMS support was (1) deprioritised in order to keep general practice operational and deliver COVID-19 vaccines; (2) disrupted as social distancing made it harder to build relationships, conduct routine AMS activities, and challenge prescribing decisions; and (3) adapted, with opportunities identified for greater use of technology and changing patient and public perceptions of viruses and self-care. It was also found that resources to support AMS were valued if they were both novel, to counter AMS 'fatigue', and sufficiently familiar to fit with existing and/or future AMS. CONCLUSION AMS needs to be reprioritised in general practice in the post-pandemic era and within the new ICSs in England. This should include interventions and strategies that combine novel elements with already familiar strategies to refresh prescribers' motivation and opportunities for AMS. Behaviour change interventions should be aimed at improving the culture and processes for how PCN pharmacists voice concerns about AMS to prescribers in general practice and take advantage of the changed patient and public perceptions of viruses and self-care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Campbell
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Aleksandra J Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Monsey McLeod
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Medication Safety and Service Quality, Pharmacy Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Koen B Pouwels
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Laurence Sj Roope
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Azeem Majeed
- Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - A Sarah Walker
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Alison Holmes
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Hosseini M, Ahmed Hamad M, Mohseni G, Salamy S, Dehghan Tarzjani S, Taati Moghadam M. Prediction of tsunami of resistance to some antibiotics is not far-fetched which used during COVID-19 pandemic. J Clin Lab Anal 2023; 37:e24959. [PMID: 37650531 PMCID: PMC10561589 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24959] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most tragic events in recent history was the COVID-19 outbreak, which has caused thousands of deaths. A variety of drugs were prescribed to improve the condition of patients, including antiparasitic, antiviral, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medicines. It must be understood, however, that COVID-19 is like a tip of an iceberg on the ocean, and the consequences of overuse of antibiotics are like the body of a mountain under water whose greatness has not yet been determined for humanity, and additional study is needed to understand them. History of the war between microbes and antimicrobial agents has shown that microbes are intelligent organisms that win over antimicrobial agents over time through many acquired or inherent mechanisms. The key terms containing "COVID-19," "Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2," "SARS-CoV2," "Antibiotic Resistance," "Coronavirus," "Pandemic," "Antibiotics," and "Antimicrobial Resistance" were used for searching in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased prescription of antibiotics. Infections caused by secondary or co-bacterial infections or beneficial bacteria in the body can be increased as a result of this amount of antibiotic prescription and exposure to antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance will likely pose a major problem in the future, especially for last resort antibiotics. In order to address the antibiotic resistance crisis, it is imperative that researchers, farmers, veterinarians, physicians, public and policymakers, pharmacists, other health and environmental professionals, and others collaborate during and beyond this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandana Hosseini
- Department of Microbiology, Tehran North Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammed Ahmed Hamad
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Golazin Mohseni
- Department of Microbiology, Tonekabon Branch, Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Shakiba Salamy
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shabnam Dehghan Tarzjani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tehran Center Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Taati Moghadam
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
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McCloskey AP, Malabar L, McCabe PG, Gitsham A, Jarman I. Antibiotic prescribing trends in primary care 2014-2022. Res Social Adm Pharm 2023:S1551-7411(23)00251-6. [PMID: 37183105 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.05.001] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global healthcare challenge that governments and health systems are tackling primarily through antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). This should, improve antibiotic use, avoid inappropriate prescribing, reduce prescription numbers, aligning with national/international AMS targets. In primary care in the United Kingdom (UK) antibiotics are mainly prescribed for patients with urinary and respiratory symptoms (22.7% and 46% of all antibiotic prescriptions respectively). This study aimed to capture the time-series trends (2014-2022) for commonly prescribed antibiotics for respiratory and urinary tract infections in primary care in England. Trends for Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin sodium, Trimethoprim, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Erythromycin ethylsuccinate, Erythromycin stearate, Doxycycline hyclate, Doxycycline monohydrate and Phenoxymethylpenicillin (Penicillin V) were determined. In doing so providing evidence regarding meeting UK antibiotic prescribing rate objectives (a 15% reduction in human antibiotic use 2019-2024). Time series trend analysis of 62,949,272 antibiotic prescriptions from 6,370 General Practices in England extracted from the National Health Service (NHS) Business Services Authority web portal were explored. With additional investigation of prescribing rate trends by quintiles of the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). Overall, there is a downwards trend in antibiotic prescribing for those explored. There is an association between IMD, geographical location, and higher antibiotic prescribing levels (prescribing hot spots). England has a well-documented North-South divide of health inequalities, this is reflected in antibiotic prescribing. The corona virus pandemic (COVID-19) impacted on AMS, with a rise in doxycycline and trimethoprim prescriptions notable in higher IMD areas. Since then, prescribing appears to have returned to pre-pandemic levels in all IMDs and continued to decline. AMS efforts are being adhered to in primary care in England. This study provides further evidence of the link between locality and poorer health outcomes (reflected in higher antibiotic prescribing). Further work is required to address antibiotic use in hot spot areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice P McCloskey
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, James Parsons Building, Byrom St, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.
| | - Lucy Malabar
- School of Computer Science and Mathematics, Liverpool John Moores University, James Parsons Building, Byrom St, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Philippa G McCabe
- School of Computer Science and Mathematics, Liverpool John Moores University, James Parsons Building, Byrom St, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Andrew Gitsham
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, James Parsons Building, Byrom St, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Ian Jarman
- School of Computer Science and Mathematics, Liverpool John Moores University, James Parsons Building, Byrom St, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
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9
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Antibiotic use in township hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Shandong, China. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2022; 11:164. [PMID: 36566210 PMCID: PMC9789504 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-022-01206-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The overuse of antibiotics in primary healthcare settings (PHSs) has caused a serious public health problem in China. The outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic brought about dramatic changes in the supply of and demand for medical services in PHSs, possibly resulting in unprecedented changes in antibiotic use. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the immediate and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the changes in antibiotic consumption in PHSs. METHOD The data on antibiotic consumption were collected from selected township hospitals in Shandong, China from January 2019 to December 2021. Antibiotic consumption was quantified by using the defined daily doses (DDDs) and the WHO Access, Watch, Reserve category. A segmented regression model was established to analyze the immediate and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on antibiotic use by using the interrupted time series analysis. RESULTS The overall antibiotic consumption in all PHSs decreased by 32.04% and 16.69% in 2020 and 2021 respectively compared to the corresponding period in 2019. Over the entire study period, the use of penicillins (J01C) and cephalosporins (J01D) accounted for more than 50% of the total antibiotic consumption. The average annual consumption of Watch category antibiotics decreased by 42.02% and 33.47% in 2020 and 2021 respectively compared to that in 2019. According to the interrupted time series analysis, the total antibiotic consumption decreased significantly immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak (coef. = - 2.712, p = 0.045), but it then increased significantly over a long-term (coef. = 0.205, p = 0.005). Additionally, the consumption of Access category antibiotics increased significantly in PHSs in the long-term (coef. = 0.136, p = 0.018). However, the consumption of Watch category antibiotics declined sharply immediately after the pandemic (coef. = - 1.222, p < 0.001), but then it increased slightly over a long-term (coef. = 0.073, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The extensive use of penicillin and cephalosporins should be of great concern. After the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the total antibiotic consumption decreased generally and the use pattern was improved to some extent in the PHSs in Shandong, China. This provides an opportunity for improving the misuse of antibiotics in PHSs in China.
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Khan S, Bond SE, Bakhit M, Hasan SS, Sadeq AA, Conway BR, Aldeyab MA. COVID-19 Mixed Impact on Hospital Antimicrobial Stewardship Activities: A Qualitative Study in UK-Based Hospitals. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:1600. [PMID: 36421244 PMCID: PMC9686587 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11111600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a well-known global threat due to the subsequent increase in antimicrobial usage. Several antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) strategies have been implemented to curb irrational prescribing and reduce the AMR burden. However, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has enormously impacted the healthcare system and jeopardized public health, causing millions of deaths globally. Our semi-structured qualitative study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 on AMS activities in the UK hospitals. Seventeen interviews were conducted with health care professionals who were part of AMS teams (consultant medical microbiologists, infectious disease consultants, antimicrobial pharmacists). Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. An inductive thematic framework was adopted to analyse and create the themes. After agreement of the hierarchical framework definition, all transcripts were coded accordingly. Four main themes and 15 sub-themes were identified. These main themes were: (1) AMS activities or strategies before and during the pandemic; (2) challenges to implementing AMS activities before and during the pandemic; (3) information from public authorities on AMS during the pandemic; and (4) new AMS activities/strategies adopted during the pandemic. Staff vacancies, redeploying of AMS staff to other duties and meeting the burden related to the COVID-19 and lack of resources were the most frequently identified contributing factors to withheld AMS activities during the pandemic. However, modifications to the hybrid working environment, i.e., remote or flexible working, allowed for resumption of AMS activities including virtual ward rounds, virtual meetings and other activities. Further research needs to assess the impact of the hybrid delivery system on AMS activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidra Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Stuart E. Bond
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
- Department of Pharmacy, Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Wakefield WF1 4DG, UK
| | - Mina Bakhit
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4226, Australia
| | - Syed Shahzad Hasan
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Ahmed A. Sadeq
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
- Department of Pharmacy, Shaikh Shakhbout Medical City in Partnership with Mayo Clinic, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 11001, United Arab Emirates
| | - Barbara R. Conway
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
- Institute of Skin Integrity and Infection Prevention and Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Mamoon A. Aldeyab
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
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11
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Krockow EM, Harvey EJ, Ashiru-Oredope D. Addressing long-term and repeat antibiotic prescriptions in primary care: considerations for a behavioural approach. BMJ Qual Saf 2022; 31:782-786. [PMID: 35705434 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2022-014821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Krockow
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Eleanor J Harvey
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
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12
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Hashad N, Stewart D, Perumal D, Abdulrazzaq N, Tonna AP. The impact of COVID-19 on antimicrobial stewardship programme implementation in hospitals - an exploration informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. J Hosp Infect 2022; 129:144-152. [PMID: 35998835 PMCID: PMC9396443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction and objectives The disruption of antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been recognized but not explored in depth. This study used a theoretical, qualitative approach to understand the impact of COVID-19 on ASP implementation in hospitals. Methods Semi-structured online interviews, informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), were conducted with ASP team members and non-members in hospitals. Participants were recruited via purposeful and snowball sampling with interviews video recorded, transcribed and analysed independently by two researchers based on mapping against CFIR constructs. Results Thirty-one interviews were conducted across 11 hospitals. The following themes were identified: (i) increased complexity of ASP implementation and changes in prescribing behaviour influenced by COVID-19; (ii) adaptations, networking and cosmopolitanism to enhance integration of COVID-19 management into ASP services; and (iii) adaptations and networking to support continuity of the ASP implementation process. A disruption to pre-pandemic ASP activities was reported, with complexity of COVID-19 overwhelming the healthcare system. ASP team members and services showed an ability to adapt and repurpose roles to respond to the pandemic. Interventions included developing national guidelines for treatment of patients with COVID-19 and contributing to guideline management and monitoring. A gradual restoration of ASP activities was perceived. Technological adaptations and enhancements in networking were reported as positive impacts of the pandemic. Conclusion Despite the initial disruption of ASP implementation caused by the pandemic, successful adaptation and evolution of ASP services reflects the high value and adaptability of ASP implementation in hospitals in the United Arab Emirates.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Hashad
- Pharmacy, Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - D Stewart
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - D Perumal
- Commission of Academic Accreditation, Ministry of Education, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - N Abdulrazzaq
- Al Kuwait Hospital, Emirates Health Services, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - A P Tonna
- Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK.
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Ge C, Du K, Luo M, Shen K, Zhou Y, Guo K, Liu Y, Yin C, Li Y, Li G, Chen X. Serologic response and safety of COVID-19 vaccination in HSCT or CAR T-cell recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:46. [PMID: 35974381 PMCID: PMC9380660 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00299-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T-cell) therapy are immunocompromised and at high risk of viral infection, including SAR2-CoV-2 infection. However, the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in these recipients is not well characterized. The present meta-analysis evaluated the serologic response and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in these population. Methods Literature databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, MedRvix and BioRvix) were searched for original studies with serologic response post COVID-19 vaccination in HSCT or CAR T-cell recipients published until July 14, 2022. The analysis included 27 observational studies with a total of 2899 patients receiving allogeneic HSCT (2506), autologous HSCT (286) or CAR T-cell therapy (107), and 683 healthy participants with serologic response data. Random effects models were used to pool the rate of serologic response to COVID-19 vaccination in HSCT or CAR T-cell recipients and odds ratio comparing with healthy controls. Results The pooled seropositivity rates in HSCT and CAR T-cell recipients were 0.624 [0.506–0.729] for one dose, 0.745 [0.712–0.776] for two doses. The rates were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (nearly 100%). In subgroup analysis, CAR T-cell recipients exhibited an even lower seroconversion rate (one dose: 0.204 [0.094–0.386]; two doses: 0.277 [0.190–0.386]) than HSCT counterparts (one dose: 0.779 [0.666–0.862]; two doses: 0.793 [0.762–0.821]). The rates were comparable between autologous and allogeneic HSCT recipients. Other possible impact factors related to seropositivity were time interval between therapy and vaccination, use of immunosuppressive drugs and immune cell counts. Most vaccine-related adverse effects were mild and resolvable, comparable to general population. Conclusions This analysis revealed a diminished response to COVID-19 vaccines in HSCT or CAR T-cell recipients. Our findings may inform regular COVID-19 vaccination at appropriate intervals after HSCT or CAR T-cell therapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40164-022-00299-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghao Ge
- Tsinghua Clinical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Kelei Du
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingjie Luo
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Kaini Shen
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yangzhong Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kaiyuan Guo
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Tsinghua Clinical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Yin
- Tsinghua Clinical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Li
- Tsinghua Clinical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Guanqiao Li
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Tsinghua Clinical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. .,Office of Clinical Trial Institute, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Wanat M, Borek AJ, Pilbeam C, Anthierens S, Tonkin-Crine S. Conducting rapid qualitative interview research during the COVID-19 pandemic-Reflections on methodological choices. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2022; 7:953872. [PMID: 36033982 PMCID: PMC9404483 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2022.953872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, setting up studies in time to gather relevant, real-world data enables researchers to capture current views and experiences, focus on practicalities on the ground, and deliver actionable results. Delivering high quality rapid studies in healthcare poses several challenges even in non-emergency situations. There is an expanding literature discussing benefits and challenges of conducting rapid research, yet there are relatively few examples related to methodological dilemmas and decisions that researchers may face when conducting rapid studies. In rapidly-changing emergency contexts, some of these challenges may be more easily overcome, while others may be unique to the emergency, magnified, or emerge in different ways. In this manuscript, we discuss our reflections and lessons learnt across the research process when conducting rapid qualitative interview studies in the context of a healthcare emergency, focusing on methodological issues. By this we mean the challenging considerations and pragmatic choices we made, and their downstream impacts, that shaped our studies. We draw on our extensive combined experience of delivering several projects during the COVID-19 pandemic in both single and multi-country settings, where we implemented rapid studies, or rapidly adapted an existing study. In the context of these studies, we discuss two main considerations, with a particular focus on the complexities, multiple facets, and trade-offs involved in: (i) team-based approaches to qualitative studies; and (ii) timely and rapid data collection, analysis and dissemination. We contribute a transparent discussion of these issues, describing them, what helped us to deal with them, and which issues have been difficult to overcome. We situate our discussion of arising issues in relation to existing literature, to offer broader recommendations while also identifying gaps in current understandings of how to deal with these methodological challenges. We thus identify key considerations, lessons, and possibilities for researchers implementing rapid studies in healthcare emergencies and beyond. We aim to promote transparency in reporting, assist other researchers in making informed choices, and consequently contribute to the development of the rapid qualitative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Wanat
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksandra J. Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Caitlin Pilbeam
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Oxford, United Kingdom
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15
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Lim SYC, Zhou YP, Yii D, Chin DZ, Hung KC, Lee LW, Lim JL, Loo LW, Koomanan N, Chua NG, Liew Y, Cherng BPZ, Thien SY, Lee WHL, Kwa ALH, Chung SJ. Stemming the Rise of Antibiotic Use for Community-Acquired Acute Respiratory Infections during COVID-19 Pandemic. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11070846. [PMID: 35884100 PMCID: PMC9312342 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11070846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in the use of antibiotics for the treatment of community-acquired respiratory tract infection (CA-ARI) in patients admitted for suspected or confirmed COVID-19, raising concerns for misuse. These antibiotics are not under the usual purview of the antimicrobial stewardship unit (ASU). Serum procalcitonin, a biomarker to distinguish viral from bacterial infections, can be used to guide antibiotic recommendations in suspected lower respiratory tract infection. We modified our stewardship approach, and used a procalcitonin-guided strategy to identify “high yield” interventions for audits in patients admitted with CA-ARI. With this approach, there was an increase in the proportion of patients with antibiotics discontinued within 4 days (16.5% vs. 34.9%, p < 0.001), and the overall duration of antibiotic therapy was significantly shorter [7 (6−8) vs. 6 (3−8) days, p < 0.001]. There was a significant decrease in patients with intravenous-to-oral switch of antibiotics to “complete the course” (45.3% vs. 34.4%, p < 0.05). Of the patients who had antibiotics discontinued, none were restarted on antibiotics within 48 h, and there was no-30-day readmission or 30-day mortality attributed to respiratory infection. This study illustrates the importance of the antimicrobial stewardship during the pandemic and the need for ASU to remain attuned to prescriber’s practices, and adapt accordingly to address antibiotic misuse to curb antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shena Y. C. Lim
- Department of Pharmacy, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore; (S.Y.C.L.); (Y.P.Z.); (D.Y.); (K.C.H.); (L.W.L.); (J.L.L.); (L.W.L.); (N.K.); (N.G.C.); (Y.L.); (W.H.L.L.); (A.L.H.K.)
| | - Yvonne P. Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore; (S.Y.C.L.); (Y.P.Z.); (D.Y.); (K.C.H.); (L.W.L.); (J.L.L.); (L.W.L.); (N.K.); (N.G.C.); (Y.L.); (W.H.L.L.); (A.L.H.K.)
| | - Daphne Yii
- Department of Pharmacy, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore; (S.Y.C.L.); (Y.P.Z.); (D.Y.); (K.C.H.); (L.W.L.); (J.L.L.); (L.W.L.); (N.K.); (N.G.C.); (Y.L.); (W.H.L.L.); (A.L.H.K.)
| | - De Zhi Chin
- Department of Clinical Quality and Performance Management, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore;
| | - Kai Chee Hung
- Department of Pharmacy, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore; (S.Y.C.L.); (Y.P.Z.); (D.Y.); (K.C.H.); (L.W.L.); (J.L.L.); (L.W.L.); (N.K.); (N.G.C.); (Y.L.); (W.H.L.L.); (A.L.H.K.)
| | - Lai Wei Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore; (S.Y.C.L.); (Y.P.Z.); (D.Y.); (K.C.H.); (L.W.L.); (J.L.L.); (L.W.L.); (N.K.); (N.G.C.); (Y.L.); (W.H.L.L.); (A.L.H.K.)
| | - Jia Le Lim
- Department of Pharmacy, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore; (S.Y.C.L.); (Y.P.Z.); (D.Y.); (K.C.H.); (L.W.L.); (J.L.L.); (L.W.L.); (N.K.); (N.G.C.); (Y.L.); (W.H.L.L.); (A.L.H.K.)
| | - Li Wen Loo
- Department of Pharmacy, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore; (S.Y.C.L.); (Y.P.Z.); (D.Y.); (K.C.H.); (L.W.L.); (J.L.L.); (L.W.L.); (N.K.); (N.G.C.); (Y.L.); (W.H.L.L.); (A.L.H.K.)
| | - Narendran Koomanan
- Department of Pharmacy, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore; (S.Y.C.L.); (Y.P.Z.); (D.Y.); (K.C.H.); (L.W.L.); (J.L.L.); (L.W.L.); (N.K.); (N.G.C.); (Y.L.); (W.H.L.L.); (A.L.H.K.)
| | - Nathalie Grace Chua
- Department of Pharmacy, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore; (S.Y.C.L.); (Y.P.Z.); (D.Y.); (K.C.H.); (L.W.L.); (J.L.L.); (L.W.L.); (N.K.); (N.G.C.); (Y.L.); (W.H.L.L.); (A.L.H.K.)
| | - Yixin Liew
- Department of Pharmacy, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore; (S.Y.C.L.); (Y.P.Z.); (D.Y.); (K.C.H.); (L.W.L.); (J.L.L.); (L.W.L.); (N.K.); (N.G.C.); (Y.L.); (W.H.L.L.); (A.L.H.K.)
| | - Benjamin P. Z. Cherng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore; (B.P.Z.C.); (S.Y.T.)
| | - Siew Yee Thien
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore; (B.P.Z.C.); (S.Y.T.)
| | - Winnie H. L. Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore; (S.Y.C.L.); (Y.P.Z.); (D.Y.); (K.C.H.); (L.W.L.); (J.L.L.); (L.W.L.); (N.K.); (N.G.C.); (Y.L.); (W.H.L.L.); (A.L.H.K.)
| | - Andrea L. H. Kwa
- Department of Pharmacy, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore; (S.Y.C.L.); (Y.P.Z.); (D.Y.); (K.C.H.); (L.W.L.); (J.L.L.); (L.W.L.); (N.K.); (N.G.C.); (Y.L.); (W.H.L.L.); (A.L.H.K.)
| | - Shimin J. Chung
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore; (B.P.Z.C.); (S.Y.T.)
- Correspondence:
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Long-Term Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on In-Hospital Antibiotic Consumption and Antibiotic Resistance: A Time Series Analysis (2015-2021). Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060826. [PMID: 35740232 PMCID: PMC9219712 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-pandemic-related overload of health systems has compromised the application of antimicrobial stewardship (AS) models and infection prevention and control (IPC) programs. We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on antimicrobial consumption (AC) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the University Hospital of Modena. A time series analysis with an autoregressive integrated moving average model was conducted from January 2015 to October 2021 to evaluate the AC in the whole hospital and the intensive care unit (ICU), the incidence density (ID) of bloodstream infections (BSIs) due to the main multidrug-resistant organisms, and of C. difficile infections (CDIs). After an initial peak during the COVID-19 period, a decrease in the trend of AC was observed, both at the hospital (CT: -1.104, p = 0.025) and ICU levels (CT: -4.47, p = 0.047), with no significant difference in the single classes. Among the Gram-negative isolates, we observed a significant increase only in the level of BSIs due to carbapenem-susceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CL: 1.477, 95% CI 0.130 to 2.824, p = 0.032). Considering Gram-positive bacteria, an increase in the level of BSIs due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and in the trend of CDIs were observed, though they did not reach statistical significance (CL: 0.72, 95% CI -0.039 to 1.48, p = 0.062; CT: 1.43, 95% CI -0.002 to 2.863, p = 0.051; respectively). Our findings demonstrated that the increases in AMR and AC that appeared in the first COVID-19 wave may be later controlled by restoring IPC and AS programs to pre-epidemic levels. A coordinated healthcare effort is necessary to address the longer-term impact of COVID-19 on AC to avoid irreversible consequences on AMR.
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In-Hospital Antibiotic Use for COVID-19: Facts and Rationales Assessed through a Mixed-Methods Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11113194. [PMID: 35683579 PMCID: PMC9180961 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11113194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, antibiotics were overprescribed. However, less is known regarding the arguments that have led to this overuse. Our aim was to understand the factors associated with in-hospital antibiotic prescription for COVID-19, and the rationale behind it. We chose a convergent design for this mixed-methods study. Quantitative data was prospectively obtained from 533 adult patients admitted in six hospitals (services of internal medicine, infectious diseases and pneumology). Fifty-six percent of the patients received antibiotics. The qualitative data was obtained from interviewing 14 physicians active in the same departments in which the enrolled patients were hospitalized. Thematic analysis was used for the qualitative approach. Our study revealed that doctors based their decisions to prescribe antibiotics on a complex interplay of factors regarding the simultaneous appearance of consolidation on the chest computer tomography together with a worsening of clinical conditions suggestive of bacterial infection and/or an increase in inflammatory markers. Besides these features which might suggest bacterial co-/suprainfection, doctors also prescribed antibiotics in situations of uncertainty, in patients with severe disease, or with multiple associated comorbidities.
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Llor C. Antibiotics Use in Primary Care during COVID-19. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060744. [PMID: 35740151 PMCID: PMC9219702 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During national health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, a robust primary care system plays a crucial role in triaging, educating patients and testing [...]
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Llor
- Department of Public Health, General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
- Via Roma Health Centre, University Institute in Primary Care Research Jordi Gol i Gurina, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
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Chitungo I, Dzinamarira T, Nyazika TK, Herrera H, Musuka G, Murewanhema G. Inappropriate Antibiotic Use in Zimbabwe in the COVID-19 Era: A Perfect Recipe for Antimicrobial Resistance. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11020244. [PMID: 35203846 PMCID: PMC8868384 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11020244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an upsurge in antimicrobial use. The increase in use is multifactorial, and is particularly related to the empirical treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and suspected coinfections with antimicrobials and the limited quality of diagnostics to differentiate viral and bacterial pneumonia. The lack of clear clinical guidelines across a wide range of settings, and the inadequacy of public health sectors in many countries, have contributed to this pattern. The increased use of antimicrobials has the potential to increase incidences of antimicrobial resistance, especially in low-resource countries such as Zimbabwe already grappling with multidrug-resistant micro-organism strains. By adopting the antimicrobial stewardship principles of the correct prescription and optimised use of antimicrobials, as well as diagnostic stewardship, revamping regulatory oversight of antimicrobial surveillance may help limit the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance during this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itai Chitungo
- Chemical Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe;
| | - Tafadzwa Dzinamarira
- School of Health Systems & Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa;
- ICAP at Columbia University, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Correspondence:
| | - Tinashe K. Nyazika
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK;
| | - Helena Herrera
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, UK;
| | - Godfrey Musuka
- School of Health Systems & Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa;
| | - Grant Murewanhema
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe;
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20
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Wanat M, Santillo M, Borek AJ, Butler CC, Anthierens S, Tonkin-Crine S. OUP accepted manuscript. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2022; 4:dlac026. [PMID: 35321397 PMCID: PMC8935206 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to design appropriate antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes, it is crucial to understand challenges to tackling antibiotic resistance (AMR) specific to each healthcare setting. Antibiotic prescribing in primary care accounts for most prescriptions with a significant proportion considered clinically inappropriate. Qualitative research has a long history in social sciences, but its value and contribution are still contested in medical journals including in the AMR/AMS field. However, through its focus on understanding, meaning making and explaining, qualitative research can offer insights in how to improve AMS efforts in primary care. This paper provides an overview of unique considerations, contributions and challenges related to using qualitative research in AMS to help the AMS community new to qualitative research to utilize its potential most fully. First, we discuss specific considerations for AMS in relation to the stages of conducting a qualitative study, including identifying a research question and choosing a suitable methodology; sampling appropriate participants; planning a recruitment strategy; choosing a method of data collection; and conducting data analysis. These are illustrated with examples of qualitative AMS studies in primary care. Second, we highlight the importance of patient and public involvement throughout all stages of the project and ensuring quality in qualitative AMS research. Finally, drawing on these considerations, we make a further case for the value and contribution of qualitative methodologies in AMS/AMR research while outlining future directions for both AMS and qualitative research, including the need for studies with diverse actors; interdisciplinary collaborations; and complex decisions on methodologies and timelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Wanat
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Corresponding author. E-mail: ; @SKGTonkinCrine, @BorekAleksandra, @MartaSantillo, @marta_wanat, @sibylanthierens, @ChrisColButler
| | - Marta Santillo
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Aleksandra J. Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christopher C. Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Oxford, UK
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