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Best S, Thursky K, Buzza M, Klaic M, Peters S, Guccione L, Trainer A, Francis J. Aligning organisational priorities and implementation science for cancer research. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:338. [PMID: 38486219 PMCID: PMC10938739 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10801-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The challenge of implementing evidence into routine clinical practice is well recognised and implementation science offers theories, models and frameworks to promote investigation into delivery of evidence-based care. Embedding implementation researchers into health systems is a novel approach to ensuring research is situated in day-to-day practice dilemmas. To optimise the value of embedded implementation researchers and resources, the aim of this study was to investigate stakeholders' views on opportunities for implementation science research in a cancer setting that holds potential to impact on care. The research objectives were to: 1) Establish stakeholder and theory informed organisation-level implementation science priorities and 2) Identify and prioritise a test case pilot implementation research project. METHODS We undertook a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Participants held either a formal leadership role, were research active or a consumer advocate and affiliated with either a specialist cancer hospital or a cancer alliance of ten hospitals. Interview data were summarised and shared with participants prior to undertaking both thematic analysis, to identify priority areas for implementation research, and content analysis, to identify potential pilot implementation research projects. The selected pilot Implementation research project was prioritised using a synthesis of an organisational and implementation prioritisation framework - the organisational priority setting framework and APEASE framework. RESULTS Thirty-one people participated between August 2022 and February 2023. Four themes were identified: 1) Integration of services to address organisational priorities e.g., tackling fragmented services; 2) Application of digital health interventions e.g., identifying the potential benefits of digital health interventions; 3) Identification of potential for implementation research, including deimplementation i.e., discontinuing ineffective or low value care and; 4) Focusing on direct patient engagement e.g., wider consumer awareness of the challenges in delivering cancer care. Six potential pilot implementation research projects were identified and the EMBED project, to support clinicians to refer appropriate patients with cancer for genetic testing, was selected using the synthesised prioritisation framework. CONCLUSIONS Using a theory informed and structured approach the alignment between strategic organisational priorities and implementation research priorities can be identified. As a result, the implementation research focus can be placed on activities with the highest potential impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Best
- University of Melbourne; Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; Australian Genomics, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Karin Thursky
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; Royal Melbourne Hospital; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Lisa Guccione
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alison Trainer
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jillian Francis
- University of Melbourne; Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
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Khanina A, Rozova V, Elkins S, Verspoor K, Thursky K. Designing a Digital Health Solution: A Platform for Automated Surveillance of Fungal Infection. Stud Health Technol Inform 2024; 310:1454-1455. [PMID: 38269693 DOI: 10.3233/shti231241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Surveillance of invasive fungal infection (IFI) requires laborious review of multiple sources of clinical information, while applying complex criteria to effectively identify relevant infections. These processes can be automated using artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies, including applying natural language processing (NLP) to clinical reports. However, developing a practically useful automated IFI surveillance tool requires consideration of the implementation context. We employed the Design Thinking Framework (DTF) to focus on the needs of end users of the tool to ensure sustained user engagement and enable its prospective validation. DTF allowed iterative generation of ideas and refinement of the final digital health solution. We believe this approach is key to increasing the likelihood that the solution will be implemented in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Khanina
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Cancer Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vlada Rozova
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Computing Technologies, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sri Elkins
- Guidance Group, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karin Verspoor
- School of Computing Technologies, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Cancer Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Guidance Group, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
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Mo S, Thursky K, Chronas A, Hall L, James R, Ierano C. Metronidazole prescribing practices in Australian hospitals: Measuring guideline compliance and appropriateness to support antimicrobial stewardship. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16 Suppl 1:90-96. [PMID: 37926594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metronidazole is a commonly prescribed antimicrobial in Australian hospitals. Inappropriate use may increase risks to patient care, such as toxicities and antimicrobial resistance. To date, there is limited information on the quality of metronidazole prescriptions to inform antimicrobial stewardship and quality improvement initiatives. This study aims to describe the quality of metronidazole prescribing practices in Australian hospitals. METHODS Retrospective data analysis of the Hospital National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (Hospital NAPS). Data were collected by auditors at each participating hospital using a standardised auditing tool. All data from 2013 to 2021 were de-identified and analysed descriptively. Variables included were antimicrobial prescribed, indication, guideline compliance and appropriateness. RESULTS Metronidazole was the fifth most prescribed antimicrobial in the Hospital NAPS dataset (2013-2021), accounting for 5.7 % (n = 14,197) of all antimicrobial prescriptions (n = 250,863). The proportion of metronidazole prescriptions declined by 2 % from 2013 to 2021 (p < 0.001). The most common indications were surgical prophylaxis (15.3 %), diverticulitis (9.4 %), aspiration pneumonia (7.3 %). Over half (53.5 %) of metronidazole prescriptions were deemed compliant with prescribing guidelines and 67.8 % were deemed appropriate. These rates were comparatively lower than the overall results of all antimicrobials. The primary documented reason for inappropriateness was that the spectrum was too broad (34.2 %). Surgical prophylaxis had the lowest rates of guideline compliance (53.8 %) and appropriateness (54.3 %). CONCLUSIONS Metronidazole remains widely used in Australian hospitals with suboptimal rates of guideline compliance and appropriateness. A noted area for improvement that we identified was using metronidazole when its spectrum was too broad, possibly when anaerobic therapy is unnecessary. With increasing international adoption of the Hospital NAPS programme, future comparative studies will be critical to identify global trends of antimicrobial prescribing quality. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes have proven to be effective in improving prescribing quality and should be considered to specifically target improvements in metronidazole prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Mo
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, 300 Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Royal Melbourne Hospital Guidance Group, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexandros Chronas
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, 300 Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Hall
- Royal Melbourne Hospital Guidance Group, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 266 Herston Rd, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rodney James
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Royal Melbourne Hospital Guidance Group, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Courtney Ierano
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Royal Melbourne Hospital Guidance Group, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Australia.
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Reynolds GK, Sim B, Spelman T, Thomas A, Longhitano A, Anderson MA, Thursky K, Slavin M, Teh BW. Infections in haematology patients treated with CAR-T therapies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 192:104134. [PMID: 37739146 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A registered (PROSPERO - CRD42022346462) systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of all-grade infections amongst adult patients receiving CAR-T therapy for haematological malignancy. Meta-analysis of pooled incidence, using random effects model, was conducted. Cochran's Q test examined heterogeneity. 2678 patients across 33 studies were included in the primary outcome. Forty-percent of patients (95% CI: 0.33 - 0.48) experienced an infection of any grade. Twenty-five percent of infection events (95% CI: 0.16 - 0.34) were severe. Late infections were as common as early infections (IRR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.38 - 1.98). All-grade infections, bacterial and viral infections were highest in myeloma patients at 57%, 37% and 28% respectively. Patients with NHL more commonly experienced late infections. Pooled rate of invasive candidiasis/yeast infections was 2% in studies utilizing anti-yeast prophylaxis. This review identified a high rate of all-grade infections, moderate rate of severe infections, and myeloma as a high-risk haematological group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma K Reynolds
- Dpartment of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Beatrice Sim
- Dpartment of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim Spelman
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ashmitha Thomas
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony Longhitano
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Barwon Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mary Ann Anderson
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- Dpartment of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Monica Slavin
- Dpartment of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin W Teh
- Dpartment of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Reynolds G, Anderson MA, Thursky K, Teh BW, Slavin MA. Recommendations on prevention of infections in patients with T-cell lymphomas: a narrative review and synthesis. Leuk Lymphoma 2023; 64:2057-2070. [PMID: 37688482 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2023.2252945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
T/Natural killer (NK) cell lymphomas (TCL) represent a heterogenous subgroup of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, associated with poorer prognosis and higher treatment toxicity. A cohesive synthesis of infection outcomes among TCL patients is lacking. International guidelines offer no specific recommendations regarding prophylaxis or supportive infection care for TCL patients. This systematic narrative review highlights infection outcomes in TCL patients treated with conventional, and novel therapies. Recommendations for infection screening, antimicrobial prophylaxis and vaccination strategies are outined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Reynolds
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mary Ann Anderson
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin W Teh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Monica A Slavin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Watson E, Dowson L, Dunt D, Thursky K, Worth LJ, Sluggett JK, Appathurai A, Bennett N. Identifying barriers and enablers to participation in infection surveillance in Australian residential aged care facilities. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2160. [PMID: 37924023 PMCID: PMC10625226 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16891-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection surveillance is a vital part of infection prevention and control activities for the aged care sector. In Australia there are two currently available infection and antimicrobial use surveillance programs for residential aged care facilities. These programs are not mandated nor available to all facilities. Development of a new surveillance program will provide standardised surveillance for all facilities in Australia. METHODS This study aimed to assess barriers and enablers to participation in the two existing infection and antimicrobial use surveillance programs, to improve development and implementation of a new program. A mixed-methods study was performed. Aged Care staff involved in infection surveillance were invited to participate in focus groups and complete an online survey comprising 17 items. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using the COM-B framework. RESULTS Twenty-nine staff took part in the focus groups and two hundred took part in the survey. Barriers to participating in aged care infection surveillance programs were the time needed to collect and enter data, competing priority tasks, limited understanding of surveillance from some staff, difficulty engaging clinicians, and staff fatigue after the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors that enabled participation were previous experience with surveillance, and sharing responsibilities, educational materials and using data for benchmarking and to improve practice. CONCLUSION Streamlined and simple data entry methods will reduce the burden of surveillance on staff. Education materials will be vital for the implementation of a new surveillance program. These materials must be tailored to different aged care workers, specific to the aged care context and provide guidance on how to use surveillance results to improve practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Watson
- Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS) Coordinating Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Leslie Dowson
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - David Dunt
- Professor Emeritus, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010 , Australia
- The Royal Melbourne Hospital Guidance Group, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Leon J Worth
- Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS) Coordinating Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010 , Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Janet K Sluggett
- University of South Australia, UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
- Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), Healthy Ageing Research Consortium, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Amanda Appathurai
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Noleen Bennett
- Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS) Coordinating Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
- Department of Nursing, Melbourne School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Singh N, Thursky K, Maron G, Wolf J. Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis in patients with neutropenia at high risk of serious infections: Exploring pros and cons. Transpl Infect Dis 2023; 25 Suppl 1:e14152. [PMID: 37746769 DOI: 10.1111/tid.14152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of fluoroquinolones to prevent infections in neutropenic patients with cancer or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a controversial issue, with international guidelines providing conflicting recommendations. Although potential benefits are clear, concerns revolve around efficacy, potential harms, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) implications. DISCUSSION Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis reduces neutropenic fever (NF) bloodstream infections and other serious bacterial infections, based on evidence from systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies in adults and children. Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis may also reduce infection-related morbidity and healthcare costs; however, evidence is conflicting. Adverse effects of fluoroquinolones are well recognized in the general population; however, studies in the cancer cohort where it is used for a defined period of neutropenia have not reflected this. The largest concern for routine use of fluoroquinolone prophylaxis remains AMR, as many, but not all, observational studies have found that fluoroquinolone prophylaxis might increase the risk of AMR, and some studies have suggested negative impacts on patient outcomes as a result. CONCLUSIONS The debate surrounding fluoroquinolone prophylaxis calls for individualized risk assessment based on patient characteristics and local AMR patterns, and prophylaxis should be restricted to patients at the highest risk of serious infection during the highest risk periods to ensure that the risk-benefit analysis is in favor of individual and community benefit. More research is needed to address important unanswered questions about fluoroquinolone prophylaxis in neutropenic patients with cancer or receiving HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Singh
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gabriela Maron
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Joshua Wolf
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Vargas C, Haeusler GM, Slavin MA, Babl FE, Mechinaud F, Phillips R, Thursky K, Lourenco RDA. An analysis of the resource use and costs of febrile neutropenia events in pediatric cancer patients in Australia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30633. [PMID: 37592047 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Febrile neutropenia (FN) in children with cancer generally requires in-hospital care, but low-risk patients may be successfully managed in an outpatient setting, potentially reducing the overall healthcare costs. Updated data on the costs of FN care are lacking. METHODS A bottom-up microcosting analysis was conducted from the healthcare system perspective using data collected alongside the Australian PICNICC (Predicting Infectious Complications of Neutropenic sepsis In Children with Cancer) study. Inpatient costs were accessed from hospital administrative records and outpatient costs from Medicare data. Costs were stratified by risk status (low/high risk) according to the PICNICC criteria. Estimated mean costs were obtained through bootstrapping and using a linear model to account for multiple events across individuals and other clinical factors that may impact costs. RESULTS The total costs of FN care were significantly higher for FN events classified as high-risk ($17,827, 95% confidence interval [CI]: $17,193-$18,461) compared to low-risk ($10,574, 95% CI: $9818-$11,330). In-hospital costs were significantly higher for high-risk compared to low-risk events, despite no differences in the cost structure, mean cost per day, and pattern of resource use. Hospital length of stay (LOS) was the only modifiable factor significantly associated with total costs of care. Excluding antineoplastics, antimicrobials are the most commonly used medications in the inpatient and outpatient setting for the overall period of analysis. CONCLUSION The FN costs are driven by in-hospital admission and LOS. This suggests that the outpatient management of low-risk patients is likely to reduce the in-hospital cost of treating an FN event. Further research will determine if shifting the cost to the outpatient setting remains cost-effective overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanza Vargas
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gabrielle M Haeusler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- NHMRC National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service, Victoria State Government, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Monica A Slavin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- NHMRC National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Franz E Babl
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Francoise Mechinaud
- Unité d'hématologie Immunologie Pédiatrique, Hopital Robert Debré, APHP Nord Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Robert Phillips
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
- Leeds Children's Hospital, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK
| | - Karin Thursky
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- NHMRC National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- NHMRC National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard De Abreu Lourenco
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
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Corrente C, Satkumaran S, Segal A, Butters C, Fernandez C, Babl FE, Orme LM, Thursky K, Haeusler GM. Evaluating the accuracy and efficacy of an electronic medical record alert to identify paediatric patients with low-risk febrile neutropenia. Int J Med Inform 2023; 178:105205. [PMID: 37703799 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care decision support, embedded into electronic medical record (EMR) workflows, has the potential to improve efficiency, reduce unwarranted variation and improve patient outcomes. A clinical-facing best practice advisory (BPA) in the Epic EMR system was developed to identify children admitted with low-risk febrile neutropenia (FN) who should be considered for treatment at home after a brief inpatient stay. We evaluated the accuracy and impact of this BPA and identify areas for improvement. METHODS The low-risk FN BPA was co-designed with key-stakeholders and implemented after a one-month testing phase. Mixed methodology was used to collect and analyse data. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of the BPA was calculated using FN episodes captured in a prospectively collected database. Overall effectiveness was defined as the proportion of alerts resulting in completion of a FN risk assessment flowsheet. RESULTS Over the 12-month period 176 FN episodes were admitted. Overall, the alert had poor sensitivity (58%) and positive predictive value (75%), failing to trigger in 62 (35%) episodes. In the episodes where the alert did trigger, the alert was frequently dismissed by clinicians (76%) and the overall effectiveness was extremely low (3%). Manual review of each FN episode without a BPA identified important design limitations and incorrect workflow assumptions. DISCUSSION Given the poor sensitivity and limited impact on clinician behaviour the low-risk BPA, in its current form, has not been an effective intervention at this site. While work is ongoing to enhance the accuracy of the BPA, alternative EMR workflows are likely required to improve the clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ahuva Segal
- Centre for Health Analytics, Melbourne Children's Campus, Parkville, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Coen Butters
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Corinne Fernandez
- Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Franz E Babl
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia; Centre for Health Analytics, Melbourne Children's Campus, Parkville, Australia; Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia; Department of Critical Care, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lisa M Orme
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia; Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; NHMRC National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; The Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gabrielle M Haeusler
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; NHMRC National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; The Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service, Victoria, Australia; Infection Diseases Unit, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia.
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10
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Chuki P, Dorji T, James R, Wangchuk K, Yangzom S, Dema Y, Wangchuk S, Wangdi D, Deki T, Limbu C, Dorji KR, Wangda S, Buising K, Thursky K. Antibiotic use and quality indicators of antibiotic prescription in Bhutan: a point prevalence survey using the Australian National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey tool. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2023; 5:dlad100. [PMID: 37614960 PMCID: PMC10443734 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlad100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance in Bhutan promotes the rational use of antibiotics. It is important to establish baseline data on the use of antibiotics and the quality indicators of antibiotic prescriptions to identify where improvement efforts may need to be focused. Objectives To describe the prevalence and patterns of antibiotic prescription and establish baseline data regarding quality indicators of antibiotic prescriptions in four major hospitals in Bhutan. Methods This was a point prevalence survey of antibiotic use among inpatients in June 2022 conducted using the Australian National Antibiotic Prescribing Survey (NAPS). Results There were 314 patients (41.5%) receiving at least one antibiotic on the audit day. Among prescriptions reviewed, 278 (88.5%) had indications for use documented, 102 (32.5%) had a review or stop date documented and 120 (38.2%) had microbiology samples collected prior to antibiotics. Ceftriaxone (68; 21.7%), cefazolin (41; 13.1%) and metronidazole (32; 10.2%), were the common antibiotics prescribed. The most common indications for use were surgical prophylaxis (42; 13.4%), community-acquired pneumonia (39; 12.4%) and sepsis (26; 8.3%). There were 125 prescriptions (39.8%) that were compliant with national/therapeutic antibiotic guidelines and 169 (53.8%) where antibiotic prescriptions were appropriate. Conclusions This study identified key areas for targeted interventions in antimicrobial stewardship programmes in Bhutan. The prevalence of antibiotic use, indications for use, and drug choices were similar to data from other countries. Documentation plans for durations of use, prolonged surgical prophylaxis and concordance of choices with guideline recommendations present opportunities for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pem Chuki
- Antimicrobial Stewardship Unit, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Thinley Dorji
- Department of Internal Medicine, Central Regional Referral Hospital, Gelephu, Bhutan
| | - Rodney James
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Guidance Group, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Khando Wangchuk
- Antimicrobial Stewardship Unit, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Sonam Yangzom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Eastern Regional Referral Hospital, Monggar, Bhutan
| | - Yangchen Dema
- Department of Internal Medicine, Eastern Regional Referral Hospital, Monggar, Bhutan
| | - Sangay Wangchuk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Central Regional Referral Hospital, Gelephu, Bhutan
| | - Dorji Wangdi
- Department of Pharmacy, Central Regional Referral Hospital, Gelephu, Bhutan
| | - Tshering Deki
- Antimicrobial Stewardship Unit, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Chandra Limbu
- Antimicrobial Stewardship Unit, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | | | - Sonam Wangda
- Antimicrobial Resistance Prevention Program, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Kirsty Buising
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- Department of Internal Medicine, Central Regional Referral Hospital, Gelephu, Bhutan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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11
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Teh BW, Reynolds G, Slavin MA, Cooley L, Roberts M, Liu E, Thursky K, Talaulikar D, Mollee P, Szabo F, Ward C, Chan H, Prince HM, Harrison SJ. Executive summary of consensus clinical practice guidelines for the prevention of infection in patients with multiple myeloma. Intern Med J 2023; 53:1469-1477. [PMID: 37093163 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Infection remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients with myeloma. This guideline was developed by a multidisciplinary group of clinicians who specialise in the management of patients with myeloma and infection from the medical and scientific advisory group from Myeloma Australia and the National Centre for Infections in Cancer. In addition to summarising the current epidemiology and risk factors for infection in patients with myeloma, this guideline provides recommendations that address three key areas in the prevention of infection: screening for latent infection, use of antimicrobial prophylaxis and immunoglobulin replacement and vaccination against leading respiratory infections (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae) and other preventable infections. This guideline provides a practical approach to the prevention of infection in patients with myeloma and harmonises the clinical approach to screening for infection, use of prophylaxis and vaccination to prevent infectious complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin W Teh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gemma Reynolds
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Monica A Slavin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louise Cooley
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Matthew Roberts
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Eunice Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dipti Talaulikar
- Department of Haematology, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Peter Mollee
- Queensland Haematology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Sydney, Queensland, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Sydney, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ferenc Szabo
- Haematology Department, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Chris Ward
- Department of Haematology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Henry Chan
- Department of Haematology, Waitemata District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - H Miles Prince
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Epworth Healthcare, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon J Harrison
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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12
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Butters C, Thursky K, Hanna DT, Cole T, Davidson A, Buttery J, Haeusler G. Adverse effects of antibiotics in children with cancer: are short-course antibiotics for febrile neutropenia part of the solution? Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:267-279. [PMID: 36694289 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2171987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Febrile neutropenia is a common complication experienced by children with cancer or those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Repeated episodes of febrile neutropenia result in cumulative exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics with potential for a range of serious adverse effects. Short-course antibiotics, even in patients with high-risk febrile neutropenia, may offer a solution. AREAS COVERED This review addresses the known broad effects of antibiotics, highlights developments in understanding the relationship between cancer, antibiotics, and the gut microbiome, and discusses emerging evidence regarding long-term adverse antibiotic effects. The authors consider available evidence to guide the duration of empiric antibiotics in pediatric febrile neutropenia and directions for future research. EXPERT OPINION Broad-spectrum antibiotics are associated with antimicrobial resistance, Clostridioides difficile infection, invasive candidiasis, significant disturbance of the gut microbiome and may seriously impact outcomes in children with cancer or undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Short-course empiric antibiotics are likely safe in most children with febrile neutropenia and present a valuable opportunity to reduce the risks of antibiotic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coen Butters
- Department of General Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, John Hunter Children's Hospital, Newcastle, Australia.,Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Australia.,National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Diane T Hanna
- Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Theresa Cole
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Allergy and Immunology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Andrew Davidson
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Critical Care, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Infectious Diseases Unit, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Melbourne Children's Trials Centre, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jim Buttery
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Infectious Diseases Unit, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Health Analytics, Melbourne Children's Campus, Parkville, Australia.,Health Informatics Group and SAEFVIC, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Haeusler
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Australia.,National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Infectious Diseases Unit, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
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13
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Brusco NK, Sykes K, Cheng AC, Radia-George C, Travis D, Sullivan N, Dinh T, Foster S, Thursky K. A state-wide implementation of a whole of hospital sepsis pathway with a mortality based cost-effectiveness analysis from a healthcare sector perspective. PLOS Glob Public Health 2023; 3:e0000687. [PMID: 37205639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
With global estimates of 15 million cases of sepsis annually, together with a 24% in-hospital mortality rate, this condition comes at a high cost to both the patient and to the health services delivering care. This translational research determined the cost-effectiveness of state-wide implementation of a whole of hospital Sepsis Pathway in reducing mortality and/or hospital admission costs from a healthcare sector perspective, and report the cost of implementation over 12-months. A non-randomised stepped wedge cluster implementation study design was used to implement an existing Sepsis Pathway ("Think sepsis. Act fast") across 10 of Victoria's public health services, comprising 23 hospitals, which provide hospital care to 63% of the State's population, or 15% of the Australian population. The pathway utilised a nurse led model with early warning and severity criteria, and actions to be initiated within 60 minutes of sepsis recognition. Pathway elements included oxygen administration; blood cultures (x2); venous blood lactate; fluid resuscitation; intravenous antibiotics, and increased monitoring. At baseline there were 876 participants (392 female (44.7%), mean 68.4 years); and during the intervention, there were 1,476 participants (684 female (46.3%), mean 66.8 years). Mortality significantly reduced from 11.4% (100/876) at baseline to 5.8% (85/1,476) during implementation (p>0.001). Respectively, at baseline and intervention the average length of stay was 9.1 (SD 10.3) and 6.2 (SD 7.9) days, and cost was $AUD22,107 (SD $26,937) and $14,203 (SD $17,611) per patient, with a significant 2.9 day reduction in length of stay (-2.9; 95%CI -3.7 to -2.2, p<0.01) and $7,904 reduction in cost (-$7,904; 95%CI -$9,707 to -$6,100, p<0.01). The Sepsis Pathway was a dominant cost-effective intervention due to reduced cost and reduced mortality. Cost of implementation was $1,845,230. In conclusion, a well-resourced state-wide Sepsis Pathway implementation initiative can save lives and dramatically reduce the health service cost per admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha K Brusco
- Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
- College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Health Economics Department, Alpha Crucis Group, Langwarrin, Australia
| | - Kelly Sykes
- Department of Health, Victoria State Government, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Allen C Cheng
- Monash Infectious Diseases, Monash Health and School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Douglas Travis
- Department of Medicine, Western Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Natalie Sullivan
- College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Health Economics Department, Alpha Crucis Group, Langwarrin, Australia
- EACH, Ringwood, Australia
| | - Tammy Dinh
- Department of Health, Victoria State Government, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah Foster
- Health Economics Department, Alpha Crucis Group, Langwarrin, Australia
- Department of Infection Control, Peninsula Health, Frankston, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- Guidance Group, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Health Services Research, Deputy Head of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
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14
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Loong LS, Siew Mei Lai P, Jamaluddin NAH, Naina-Mohamed I, Periyasamy P, Lau CL, Thursky K, James R, Ponnampalavanar S. Comparing the appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing among medical patients in two tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. J Infect Dev Ctries 2022; 16:1877-1886. [PMID: 36753656 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.15925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malaysia is an upper-middle-income country with national antimicrobial stewardship programs in place. However, hospitals in this country are faced with a high incidence of multidrug-resistant organisms and high usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Therefore, this study aimed to use a standardized audit tool to assess clinical appropriateness, guideline compliance, and prescribing patterns of antimicrobial use among medical patients in two tertiary hospitals in Malaysia to benchmark practice. METHODOLOGY A prospective hospital-wide point prevalence survey was carried out by a multidisciplinary team in April 2019 at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and the Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Data was collected from the patient's electronic medical records and recorded using the Hospital National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey toolkit developed by the National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Australia. RESULTS The appropriateness of prescriptions was 60.1% (UMMC) and 67% (HCTM), with no significant difference between the two hospitals. Compliance with guidelines was 60.0% (UMMC) and 61.5% (HCTM). Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial (UMMC = 16.9%; HCTM = 11.9%). CONCLUSIONS The appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing in medical wards, compliance with guidelines, and prescribing patterns were similar between the two hospitals in Malaysia. The survey identified several areas of prescribing that would need targeted AMS interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ly Sia Loong
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pauline Siew Mei Lai
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Adilla Hayat Jamaluddin
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Isa Naina-Mohamed
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Petrick Periyasamy
- Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chee Lan Lau
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia
| | - Rodney James
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia
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15
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Bennett N, Malloy MJ, James R, Fang X, Thursky K, Worth LJ. Prophylactic Antimicrobial Prescribing in Australian Residential Aged-Care Facilities: Improvement is Required. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2022; 9:561-567. [PMID: 35962922 PMCID: PMC9712891 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-022-00323-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Inappropriate antimicrobial use can lead to adverse consequences, including antimicrobial resistance. The objective of our study was to describe patterns of prophylactic antimicrobial prescribing in Australian residential aged-care facilities and thereby provide insight into antimicrobial stewardship strategies that might be required. METHODS Annual point prevalence data submitted by participating residential aged-care facilities as part of the Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey between 2016 and 2020 were extracted. All antimicrobials except anti-virals were counted; methenamine hippurate was classified as an antibacterial agent. RESULTS The overall prevalence of residents prescribed one or more prophylactic antimicrobial on the survey day was 3.7% (n = 4643, 95% confidence interval 3.6-3.8). Of all prescribed antimicrobials (n = 15,831), 27.1% (n = 4871) were for prophylactic use. Of these prophylactic antimicrobials, 87.8% were anti-bacterials and 11.4% antifungals; most frequently, cefalexin (28.7%), methenamine hippurate (20.1%) and clotrimazole (8.8%). When compared with prescribing of all antimicrobial agents, prophylactic antimicrobials were less commonly prescribed for pro re nata administration (7.0% vs 20.3%) and more commonly prescribed greater than 6 months (52.9% vs 34.1%). The indication and review or stop date was less frequently documented (67.5% vs 73.8% and 20.9% vs 40.7%, respectively). The most common body system for which a prophylactic antimicrobial was prescribed was the urinary tract (54.3%). Of all urinary tract indications (n = 2575), about two thirds (n = 1681, 65.3%) were for cystitis and 10.6% were for asymptomatic bacteriuria. CONCLUSIONS Our results clearly identified immediate antimicrobial stewardship strategies that aim to improve prophylactic antimicrobial prescribing in Australian residential-aged care facilities are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noleen Bennett
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XNational Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
- grid.483778.7Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS) Coordinating Centre, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
- grid.483778.7The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Nursing, Melbourne School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3065 Australia
| | - Michael J. Malloy
- grid.483778.7Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS) Coordinating Centre, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
- grid.483778.7The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XCentre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Rodney James
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XNational Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
- grid.483778.7The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Xin Fang
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XNational Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
- grid.483778.7The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XNational Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
- grid.483778.7The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Leon J. Worth
- grid.483778.7Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS) Coordinating Centre, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
- grid.483778.7The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010 Australia
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16
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Douglas A, Thursky K, Slavin M. New approaches to management of fever and neutropenia in high-risk patients. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2022; 35:500-516. [PMID: 35947070 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Patients receiving treatment for acute leukaemia and haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) have prolonged neutropenia and are at high risk of neutropenic fever, with bacterial and particularly invasive fungal infections as feared complications, possessing potentially serious consequences including intensive care admission and mortality. Concerns for these serious complications often lead to long durations of broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy and escalation to even broader therapy if fever persists. Further, the default approach is to continue neutropenic fever therapy until count recovery, leaving many patients who have long defervesced on prolonged antibiotics. RECENT FINDINGS This article details recent progress in this field with particular emphasis on early discontinuation studies in resolved neutropenic fever and improved imaging techniques for the investigation of those with persistent neutropenic fever. Recent randomized controlled trials have shown that early cessation of empiric neutropenic fever therapy is well tolerated in acute leukaemia and autologous HCT patients who are clinically stable and afebrile for 72 h. Delineation of the best approach to cessation (timing and/or use of fluoroquinolone prophylaxis) and whether this approach is well tolerated in the higher risk allogeneic HCT setting is still required. Recent RCT data demonstrate utility of FDG-PET/CT to guide management and rationalize antimicrobial therapy in high-risk patient groups with persistent neutropenic fever. SUMMARY Acute leukaemic and autologous HCT patients with resolved neutropenic fever prior to count recovery can have empiric therapy safely discontinued or de-escalated. There is an emerging role of FDG-PET/CT to support decision-making about antibiotic and antifungal use in high-risk persistent/recurrent neutropenic fever patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby Douglas
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne.,National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne.,Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Monica Slavin
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne.,Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital.,Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
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17
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Saha S, Kong D, Athan E, Thursky K, Mazza D. 66: GPPAS MODEL: GUIDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP IN PRIMARY CARE UTILISING COLLABORATION BETWEEN GENERAL PRACTITIONERS AND PHARMACISTS. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s2213-7165(22)00345-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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18
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So M, Nakamachi Y, Thursky K. Auditing tools for antimicrobial prescribing in solid organ transplant recipients: The why, the how, and an assessment of current options. Transpl Infect Dis 2022; 24:e13905. [DOI: 10.1111/tid.13905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Miranda So
- Sinai Health‐University Health Network Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Yoshiko Nakamachi
- Sinai Health‐University Health Network Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
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Saha SK, Thursky K, Kong DCM, Mazza D. A Novel GPPAS Model: Guiding the Implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Primary Care Utilising Collaboration between General Practitioners and Community Pharmacists. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11091158. [PMID: 36139938 PMCID: PMC9495087 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11091158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Interprofessional collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and community pharmacists (CPs) is central to implement antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes in primary care. This study aimed to design a GP/pharmacist antimicrobial stewardship (GPPAS) model for primary care in Australia. An exploratory study design was followed that included seven studies conducted from 2017 to 2021 for the development of the GPPAS model. We generated secondary and primary evidence through a systematic review, a scoping review, a rapid review, nationwide surveys of Australian GPs and CPs including qualitative components, and a pilot study of a GPPAS submodel. All study evidence was synthesised, reviewed, merged, and triangulated to design the prototype GPPAS model using a Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety theoretical framework. The secondary evidence provided effective GPPAS interventions, and the primary evidence identified GP/CP interprofessional issues, challenges, and future needs for implementing GPPAS interventions. The framework of the GPPAS model informed five GPPAS implementation submodels to foster implementation of AMS education program, antimicrobial audits, diagnostic stewardship, delayed prescribing, and routine review of antimicrobial prescriptions, through improved GP–CP collaboration. The GPPAS model could be used globally as a guide for GPs and CPs to collaboratively optimise antimicrobial use in primary care. Implementation studies on the GPPAS model and submodels are required to integrate the GPPAS model into GP/pharmacist interprofessional care models in Australia for improving AMS in routine primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajal K. Saha
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- Department of General Practice, The School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Public Health Unit, Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Disease, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-0452639559
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - David C. M. Kong
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Pharmacy Department, Ballarat Health Services, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
| | - Danielle Mazza
- Department of General Practice, The School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
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Douglas A, Thursky K, Spelman T, Szer J, Bajel A, Harrison S, Tio SY, Bupha-Intr O, Tew M, Worth L, Teh B, Chee L, Ng A, Carney D, Khot A, Haeusler G, Yong M, Trubiano J, Chen S, Hicks R, Ritchie D, Slavin M. [18F]FDG-PET-CT compared with CT for persistent or recurrent neutropenic fever in high-risk patients (PIPPIN): a multicentre, open-label, phase 3, randomised, controlled trial. The Lancet Haematology 2022; 9:e573-e584. [DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(22)00166-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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McMullan BJ, Valentine JC, Hall L, Thursky K. Disease and economic burden of infections in hospitalised children in New South Wales, Australia. AUST HEALTH REV 2022; 46:471-477. [PMID: 35667892 DOI: 10.1071/ah21360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivesTo describe the burden of disease and hospitalisation costs in children with common infections using statewide administrative data.MethodsWe analysed hospitalisation prevalence and costs for 10 infections: appendicitis, cellulitis, cervical lymphadenitis, meningitis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, sepsis, septic arthritis, and urinary tract infections in children aged <18 years admitted to hospital within New South Wales, Australia, using an activity-based management administrative dataset over three financial years (1 July 2016-30 June 2019).ResultsAmong 339 077 admissions, 28 748 (8.48%) were coded with one of the 10 infections, associated with a total hospitalisation cost of AUD230 905 190 and a per episode median length-of-stay of 3 bed-days. Pneumonia was the most prevalent coded infection (3.1% [n = 10 524] of all admissions), followed by appendicitis (1.61%; n = 5460), cellulitis (1.22%; n = 4126) and urinary tract infections (0.94%; n = 3193). Eighty per cent of children (n = 22 529) were admitted to a non-paediatric hospital. Mean costs were increased 1.18-fold per additional bed-day, 2.14-fold with paediatric hospital admissions, and 5.49-fold with intensive care unit admissions, which were both also associated with greater total bed-day occupancy. Indigenous children comprised 9.7% of children admitted with these infections, and mean per episode costs, and median bed-days were reduced compared with non-Indigenous children (0.84 [95% CI 0.78, 0.89] and 3 (IQR: 2,5) vs 2 (IQR: 2,4), respectively.ConclusionsInfections in children requiring hospitalisation contributea substantial burden of disease and cost to the community. This varies by infection, facility type, and patient demographics, and this information should be used to inform and prioritise programs to improve care for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J McMullan
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; and Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia; and National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jake C Valentine
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Lisa Hall
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia; and National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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22
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Glasziou P, Thursky K. Editorial: Antibiotics - Keeping the miracle alive. Aust J Gen Pract 2022; 51:5. [PMID: 35098282 DOI: 10.31128/ajgp-12-21-6260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Glasziou
- MBBS, PhD, FRACGP, AO, Director, Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty HS@M, Bond University, Gold Coast, Qld
| | - Karin Thursky
- MBBS, BSc, MD, FRACP, FAHMS, Director, NHMRC National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Dame Kate Campbell Fellow, University of Melbourne, Vic
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James R, Nakamachi Y, Morris A, So M, Ponnampalavanar SSLS, Chuki P, Loong LS, Lai PSM, Chen C, Ingram R, Rajkhowa A, Buising K, Thursky K. OUP accepted manuscript. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2022; 4:dlac012. [PMID: 35156035 PMCID: PMC8827555 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlac012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (NAPS) is a web-based qualitative auditing platform that provides a standardized and validated tool to assist hospitals in assessing the appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing practices. Since its release in 2013, the NAPS has been adopted by all hospital types within Australia, including public and private facilities, and supports them in meeting the national standards for accreditation. Hospitals can generate real-time reports to assist with local antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) activities and interventions. De-identified aggregate data from the NAPS are also submitted to the Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Australia surveillance system, for national reporting purposes, and to strengthen national AMS strategies. With the successful implementation of the programme within Australia, the NAPS has now been adopted by countries with both well-resourced and resource-limited healthcare systems. We provide here a narrative review describing the experience of users utilizing the NAPS programme in Canada, Malaysia and Bhutan. We highlight the key barriers and facilitators to implementation and demonstrate that the NAPS methodology is feasible, generalizable and translatable to various settings and able to assist in initiatives to optimize the use of antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney James
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Guidance Group, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne Health, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Yoshiko Nakamachi
- Sinai Health-University Health Network Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, Toronto General Hospital, 585 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2N2, Canada
| | - Andrew Morris
- Sinai Health-University Health Network Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, Toronto General Hospital, 585 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2N2, Canada
| | - Miranda So
- Sinai Health-University Health Network Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, Toronto General Hospital, 585 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2N2, Canada
| | | | - Pem Chuki
- Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Gongphel Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Ly Sia Loong
- University Malaya Medical Centre, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur 59100, Malaysia
| | | | - Caroline Chen
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Guidance Group, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne Health, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Robyn Ingram
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Guidance Group, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne Health, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Arjun Rajkhowa
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Kirsty Buising
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Guidance Group, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne Health, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Guidance Group, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne Health, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
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Saha SK, Kong DCM, Mazza D, Thursky K. A systems thinking approach for antimicrobial stewardship in primary care. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2021; 20:819-827. [PMID: 34968161 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2022.2023010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The establishment of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in primary care is central to substantially reduce the antimicrobial use and the associated risk of resistance. This perspective piece highlights the importance of systems thinking to set up and facilitate AMS programs in primary care. AREAS COVERED The challenges that primary care faces to incorporate AMS programmes is multifactorial: an implementation framework, relevant resources, team composition, and system structures remain under-researched, and these issues are often overlooked and/or neglected in most parts of the world. Progress in the field remains slow in developed countries but potentially limited in low- and middle-income countries. EXPERT OPINION The key AMS strategies to optimize antimicrobial use in primary care are increasingly known; however, health system components that impact effective implementation of AMS programs remain unclear. We highlight the importance of systems thinking to identify and understand the resource arrangements, system structures, dynamic system behaviors, and intra- and interprofessional connections to optimally design and implement AMS programs in primary care. An AMS systems thinking systemigram (i.e. a visual representation of overall architecture of a system) could be a useful tool to foster AMS implementation in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajal K Saha
- Department of General Practice, The School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Darwin, Australia
| | - David C M Kong
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.,Pharmacy Department, Ballarat Health Services, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danielle Mazza
- Department of General Practice, The School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Ierano C, Thursky K. The need for a national framework to optimise surgical antimicrobial use in Australia. Infect Dis Health 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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26
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Yeoh DK, Moore AS, Kotecha RS, Bartlett AW, Ryan AL, Cann MP, McMullan BJ, Thursky K, Slavin M, Blyth CC, Haeusler GM, Clark JE. Invasive fungal disease in children with acute myeloid leukaemia: An Australian multicentre 10-year review. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29275. [PMID: 34357688 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a common and important complication in children with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). We describe the epidemiology of IFD in a large multicentre cohort of children with AML. METHODS As part of the retrospective multicentre cohort TERIFIC (The Epidemiology and Risk factors for Invasive Fungal Infections in immunocompromised Children) study, proven/probable/possible IFD episodes occurring in children with primary or relapsed/refractory AML from 2003 to 2014 were analysed. Crude IFD prevalence, clinical characteristics, microbiology and treatment were assessed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate 6-month survival. RESULTS There were 66 IFD episodes diagnosed in 63 children with AML. The majority (75.8%) of episodes occurred in the context of primary AML therapy. During primary AML therapy, the overall prevalence was 20.7% (95% CI 15.7%-26.5%) for proven/probable/possible IFD and 10.3% (95% CI 6.7%-15.0%) for proven/probable IFD. Of primary AML patients, 8.2% had IFD diagnosed during the first cycle of chemotherapy. Amongst pathogens implicated in proven/probable IFD episodes, 74.4% were moulds, over a third (37.9%) of which were non-Aspergillus spp. Antifungal prophylaxis preceded 89.4% of IFD episodes, most commonly using fluconazole (50% of IFD episodes). All-cause mortality at 6 months from IFD diagnosis was 16.7% with IFD-related mortality of 7.6% (all in cases of proven IFD). CONCLUSIONS IFD is a common and serious complication during paediatric AML therapy. Mould infections, including non-Aspergillus spp. predominated in this cohort. A systematic approach to the identification of patients at risk, and a targeted prevention strategy for IFD is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K Yeoh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew S Moore
- Oncology Service, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rishi S Kotecha
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Adam W Bartlett
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anne L Ryan
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Megan P Cann
- Infection Management Service, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brendan J McMullan
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,National Health and Medical Research Council National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Monica Slavin
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher C Blyth
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gabrielle M Haeusler
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria.,The Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julia E Clark
- Infection Management Service, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, Children's Health Queensland Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Crothers A, Haeusler GM, Slavin MA, Babl FE, Mechinaud F, Phillips R, Tapp H, Padhye B, Zeigler D, Clark J, Walwyn T, Super L, Alvaro F, Thursky K, De Abreu Lourenco R. Examining health-related quality of life in pediatric cancer patients with febrile neutropenia: Factors predicting poor recovery in children and their parents. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 40:101095. [PMID: 34746716 PMCID: PMC8548915 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact febrile neutropenia (FN) has on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children with cancer and their families is poorly understood. We sought to characterize the course of child and parent HRQoL during and following FN episodes. METHOD Data on HRQoL were collected in the multisite Australian Predicting Infectious ComplicatioNs in Children with Cancer (PICNICC) study. Participants were enrolled between November 2016 to January 2018. The Child Health Utility (CHU9D) was used to assess HRQoL in children (N = 167 FN events) and the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL-8D) was used to assess HRQoL parents (N = 218 FN events) at three time points: 0-3 days, 7-days and 30-days following the onset of FN. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to characterize the course of HRQoL. FINDINGS For children, three distinct groups were identified: persistently low HRQoL over the 30-day course of follow-up (chronic: N = 78/167; 47%), increasing HRQoL after the onset of FN to 30 days follow-up (recovering: N = 36/167; 22%), and persistently high HRQoL at all three timepoints (resilient: N = 53/167; 32%). Applying these definitions, parents were classified into two distinct groups: chronic (N = 107/218, 49%) and resilient (N = 111/218, 51%). The child being male, having solid cancer, the presence of financial stress, and relationship difficulties between the parent and child were significant predictors of chronic group membership for both parents and children. Children classified as high-risk FN were significantly more likely to belong to the recovery group. Being female, having blood cancers and the absence of financial or relationship difficulties were predictive of both parents and children being in the resilient group. INTERPRETATION Approximately half the children and parents had chronically low HRQoL scores, which did not improve following resolution of the FN episode. The child's sex, cancer type, and presence of financial and relationship stress were predictive of chronic group membership for both parents and children. These families may benefit from increased financial and psychosocial support during anti-cancer treatment. FUNDING National Health and Medical Research Council Grant (APP1104527).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Crothers
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Gabrielle M Haeusler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- NHMRC National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- The Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service, Parkville, Australia
- Infection Diseases Unit, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Monica A Slavin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- NHMRC National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Franz E Babl
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Francoise Mechinaud
- Unité d'hématologie immunologie pédiatrique, Hopital Robert Debré, APHP Nord Université de Paris, France
| | - Robert Phillips
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
- Leeds Children's Hospital, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK
| | - Heather Tapp
- Department of Oncology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Bhavna Padhye
- Cancer Centre for Children, Westmead Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Zeigler
- Kid's Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Julia Clark
- Infection Management Service, Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Thomas Walwyn
- Department of Oncology, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Leanne Super
- Children's Cancer Centre, Monash Children's Hospital, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Frank Alvaro
- Children's Cancer Department, John Hunter Children's Hospital, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- NHMRC National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- NHMRC National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
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Bennett N, Walker K, Buising K, Cheah R, Fang X, Ingram R, James R, Malloy MJ, Thursky K, Worth LJ. Topical antimicrobial prescribing patterns in residents of Australian aged-care facilities: use of a national point prevalence survey to identify opportunities for quality improvement. Am J Infect Control 2021; 49:1113-1117. [PMID: 33813041 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Australian residential aged care facilities (RACFs) are encouraged to participate in an annual Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey. This data source was analysed to describe patterns of topical antimicrobial prescribing and thereby provide insight into antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) changes that might be required. METHODS 2018 and 2019 survey data was analysed. RESULTS The overall prevalence of the 52,431 audited residents (629 facilities) who were prescribed 1 or more topical antimicrobials was 2.9%. Of all prescribed antimicrobials (n=4899), 33.0% were for topical application. Most frequently prescribed topical antifungals were clotrimazole (85.3%) and miconazole (9.1%), and antibacterials chloramphenicol (64.1%) and mupirocin (21.8%). Tinea (38.3%) and conjunctivitis (23.8%) were the 2 most common indications. Topical antimicrobials were sometimes prescribed for pro re nata administration (38.8%) and greater than 6 months (11.3%). The review or stop date was not always documented (38.7%). CONCLUSIONS To reduce the possibility of adverse consequences associated with antimicrobial use, antimicrobial stewardship programs in Australian residential aged care facilities should at least ensure mupirocin is appropriately used, first line antimicrobial therapy is prescribed for tinea, chloramphenicol is prescribed for conjunctivitis only if necessary, pro re nata orders for prescriptions are discouraged and to avoid prolonged duration of prescriptions, review or stop dates are always documented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noleen Bennett
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Medicine and Radiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS) Coordinating Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Nursing, Melbourne School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Katherine Walker
- Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS) Coordinating Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirsty Buising
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Medicine and Radiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ron Cheah
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Medicine and Radiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xin Fang
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Medicine and Radiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robyn Ingram
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Medicine and Radiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rodney James
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Medicine and Radiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Nursing, Melbourne School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael J Malloy
- Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS) Coordinating Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Medicine and Radiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leon J Worth
- Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS) Coordinating Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Chua KYL, Vogrin S, Bury S, Douglas A, Holmes NE, Tan N, Brusco NK, Hall R, Lambros B, Lean J, Stevenson W, Devchand M, Garrett K, Thursky K, Grayson ML, Slavin MA, Phillips EJ, Trubiano JA. The Penicillin Allergy Delabeling Program: A Multicenter Whole-of-Hospital Health Services Intervention and Comparative Effectiveness Study. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:487-496. [PMID: 32756983 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Penicillin allergies are associated with inferior patient and antimicrobial stewardship outcomes. We implemented a whole-of-hospital program to assess the efficacy of inpatient delabeling for low-risk penicillin allergies in hospitalized inpatients. METHODS Patients ≥ 18 years of age with a low-risk penicillin allergy were offered a single-dose oral penicillin challenge or direct label removal based on history (direct delabeling). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients delabeled. Key secondary endpoints were antibiotic utilization pre- (index admission) and post-delabeling (index admission and 90 days). RESULTS Between 21 January 2019 and 31 August 2019, we assessed 1791 patients reporting 2315 antibiotic allergies, 1225 with a penicillin allergy. Three hundred fifty-five patients were delabeled: 161 by direct delabeling and 194 via oral penicillin challenge. Ninety-seven percent (194/200) of patients were negative upon oral penicillin challenge. In the delabeled patients, we observed an increase in narrow-spectrum penicillin usage (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 10.51 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 5.39-20.48]), improved appropriate antibiotic prescribing (adjusted OR, 2.13 [95% CI, 1.45-3.13]), and a reduction in restricted antibiotic usage (adjusted OR, 0.38 [95% CI, .27-.54]). In the propensity score analysis, there was an increase in narrow-spectrum penicillins (OR, 10.89 [95% CI, 5.09-23.31]) and β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors (OR, 6.68 [95% CI, 3.94-11.35]) and a reduction in restricted antibiotic use (OR, 0.52 [95% CI, .36-.74]) and inappropriate prescriptions (relative risk ratio, 0.43 [95% CI, .26-.72]) in the delabeled group compared with the group who retained their allergy label. CONCLUSIONS This health services program using a combination of direct delabeling and oral penicillin challenge resulted in significant impacts on the use of preferred antibiotics and appropriate prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyra Y L Chua
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Centre for Antibiotic Allergy and Research, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Sara Vogrin
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Australia
| | - Susan Bury
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Centre for Antibiotic Allergy and Research, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Abby Douglas
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Australia
| | - Natasha E Holmes
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Centre for Antibiotic Allergy and Research, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Nixon Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Centre for Antibiotic Allergy and Research, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Natasha K Brusco
- Alpha Crucis Group, Health Economics, Langwarrin, Australia.,Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living Research Centre, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
| | - Rebecca Hall
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Centre for Antibiotic Allergy and Research, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Belinda Lambros
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jacinta Lean
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Australia
| | - Wendy Stevenson
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Centre for Antibiotic Allergy and Research, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Misha Devchand
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Centre for Antibiotic Allergy and Research, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Kent Garrett
- Department of Pharmacy, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Australia.,National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Oncology, Sir Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - M Lindsay Grayson
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Centre for Antibiotic Allergy and Research, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Monica A Slavin
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Oncology, Sir Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Elizabeth J Phillips
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Jason A Trubiano
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Centre for Antibiotic Allergy and Research, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases and the National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
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30
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Biezen R, Buising K, Monaghan T, Ball R, Thursky K, Cheah R, Clark M, Manski-Nankervis JA. Evaluating the Implementation of a Pilot Quality Improvement Program to Support Appropriate Antimicrobial Prescribing in General Practice. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10070867. [PMID: 34356788 PMCID: PMC8300821 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing contributes to increasing antimicrobial resistance. An antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) program in the form of quality improvement activities that included audit and feedback, clinical decision support and education was developed to help optimise prescribing in general practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of this program (Guidance GP) in three general practices in Melbourne, Australia, between November 2019 and August 2020. Thirty-one general practitioners (GPs) participated in the program, with 11 GPs and three practice managers participating in follow-up focus groups and interviews to explore the acceptability and feasibility of the program. Our findings showed that the quality improvement activities were acceptable to GPs, if they accurately fit GPs' decision-making process and workflow. It was also important that they provided clinically meaningful information in the form of audit and feedback to GPs. The time needed to coordinate the program, and costs to implement the program were some of the potential barriers identified. Facilitators of success were a "whole of practice" approach with enthusiastic GPs and practice staff, and an identified practice champion. The findings of this research will inform implementation strategies for both the Guidance GP program and AMS programs more broadly in Australian general practice, which will be critical for general practice participation and engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Biezen
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (T.M.); (M.C.); (J.-A.M.-N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-9035-4886
| | - Kirsty Buising
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (K.B.); (K.T.); (R.C.)
- The Guidance Group, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne 3050, Australia
| | - Tim Monaghan
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (T.M.); (M.C.); (J.-A.M.-N.)
| | - Rachael Ball
- North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network, Melbourne 3052, Australia;
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (K.B.); (K.T.); (R.C.)
- The Guidance Group, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne 3050, Australia
| | - Ron Cheah
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (K.B.); (K.T.); (R.C.)
- The Guidance Group, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne 3050, Australia
| | - Malcolm Clark
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (T.M.); (M.C.); (J.-A.M.-N.)
| | - Jo-Anne Manski-Nankervis
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (T.M.); (M.C.); (J.-A.M.-N.)
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31
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Cheah R, Rajkhowa A, James R, Wangeman K, Koning S, Thursky K, Buising K. Case for antimicrobial stewardship pharmacy technicians in Australian hospitals. AUST HEALTH REV 2021; 44:941-943. [PMID: 33213691 DOI: 10.1071/ah19236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacist's role in hospital antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs is known to improve patient safety and the quality of care. Despite this, many Australian hospitals struggle to provide adequate pharmacy AMS program resourcing and need to explore newer models of care. The Pharmacy Board of Australia's Guidelines for Dispensing Medicines permit suitably qualified, competent and experienced pharmacy technicians to assist pharmacists in 'tasks in a pharmacy department'. The pharmacy technician workforce is expanding, and there is growing interest in career advancement and expansion of the pharmacy technician role. We propose that the pharmacy technician, a well-integrated member of many Australian hospital pharmacy departments, can play an important role in hospital AMS programs. To bolster AMS initiatives in Australian hospitals, this paper explores the existing evidence for pharmacy technicians in AMS programs and describes how this role may be better supported in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Cheah
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia. ; ; ; and Monash Health, Pharmacy Department, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| | - Arjun Rajkhowa
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia. ; ; ; and University of Melbourne, Department of Medicine, Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia.
| | - Rodney James
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia. ; ;
| | - Kym Wangeman
- Eastern Health, Pharmacy Department, Box Hill, Vic. 3128, Australia. ;
| | - Sonia Koning
- Eastern Health, Pharmacy Department, Box Hill, Vic. 3128, Australia. ; ; and Monash University, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Vic. 3052, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia. ; ; ; and University of Melbourne, Department of Medicine, Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia. ; and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Melbourne, Vic. 3050, Australia; and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia
| | - Kirsty Buising
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia. ; ; ; and University of Melbourne, Department of Medicine, Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia. ; and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Melbourne, Vic. 3050, Australia
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32
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Weier N, Nathwani D, Thursky K, Tängdén T, Vlahović-Palčevski V, Dyar O, Beović B, Levy Hara G, Patel R, Pulcini C, Zaidi STR. An international inventory of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) training programmes for AMS teams. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 76:1633-1640. [PMID: 33738498 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkab053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare professionals are increasingly expected to lead antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) initiatives. This role in complex healthcare environments requires specialized training. OBJECTIVES Little is known about the types of AMS training programmes available to clinicians seeking to play a lead role in AMS. We aimed to identify clinicians' awareness of AMS training programmes, characteristics of AMS training programmes available and potential barriers to participation. METHODS AMS training programmes available were identified by members of the ESCMID Study Group for Antimicrobial Stewardship (ESGAP) via an online survey and through an online search in 2018. Individual training programme course coordinators were then contacted (September-October 2018) for data on the target audience(s), methods of delivery, intended outcomes and potential barriers to accessing the training programme. RESULTS A total of 166/250 ESGAP members (66%) responded to the survey, nominating 48 unique AMS training programmes. An additional 32 training programmes were identified through an online search. AMS training programmes were from around the world. Less than half (44.4%) of respondents were aware of one or more AMS training programmes available, with pharmacists more aware compared with medical doctors and other professionals (73% versus 46% and 25%, respectively). AMS training programmes were most commonly delivered online (59%) and aimed at medical doctors (46%). Training costs and a lack of recognition by health professional societies were the most frequently cited barriers to participation in AMS training programmes. CONCLUSIONS The development of a systematic inventory of AMS training programmes around the globe identifies opportunities and limitations to current training available. Improving access and increasing awareness amongst target participants will support improved education in AMS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dilip Nathwani
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Karin Thursky
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thomas Tängdén
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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33
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Jamaluddin NAH, Periyasamy P, Lau CL, Ponnampalavanar S, Lai PSM, Ramli R, Tan TL, Kori N, Yin MK, Azman NJ, James R, Thursky K, Naina-Mohamed I. Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Use in a Malaysian Tertiary Care University Hospital. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:531. [PMID: 34064457 PMCID: PMC8148015 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10050531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance remains a significant public health issue, and to a greater extent, caused by the misuse of antimicrobials. Monitoring and benchmarking antimicrobial use is critical for the antimicrobial stewardship team to enhance prudent use of antimicrobial and curb antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings. Employing a comprehensive and established tool, this study investigated the trends and compliance of antimicrobial prescribing in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Malaysia to identify potential target areas for quality improvement. A point prevalence survey method following the National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (NAPS) was used to collect detailed data on antimicrobial prescribing and assessed a set of quality indicators associated with antimicrobial use. The paper-based survey was conducted across 37 adult wards, which included all adult in-patients on the day of the survey to form the study population. Of 478 patients surveyed, 234 (49%) patients received at least one antimicrobial agent, with 357 antimicrobial prescriptions. The highest prevalence of antimicrobial use was within the ICU (80%). Agents used were mainly amoxicillin/β-lactamase inhibitor (14.8%), piperacillin/β-lactamase inhibitor (10.6%) and third-generation cephalosporin (ceftriaxone, 9.5%). Intravenous administration was ordered in 62.7% of prescriptions. Many antimicrobials were prescribed empirically (65.5%) and commonly prescribed for pneumonia (19.6%). The indications for antimicrobials were documented in the patients' notes for 80% of the prescriptions; however, the rate of review/stop date recorded must be improved (33.3%). One-half of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis was administered for more than 24 h. From 280 assessable prescriptions, 141 (50.4%) were compliant with guidelines. Treating specialties, administration route, class of antimicrobial, and the number of prescriptions per patient were contributing factors associated with compliance. On multivariate analysis, administering non-oral routes of antimicrobial administration, and single antimicrobial prescription prescribed per patient was independently associated with non-compliance. NAPS can produce robust baseline information and identifying targets for improvement in antimicrobial prescribing in reference to current AMS initiatives within the tertiary care teaching hospital. The findings underscore the necessity to expand the AMS efforts towards reinforcing compliance, documentation, improving surgical prophylaxis prescribing practices, and updating local antibiotic guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Adilla Hayat Jamaluddin
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
- Department of Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Cyberjaya, Cyber 11, Cyberjaya, Selangor 63000, Malaysia
| | - Petrick Periyasamy
- Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (P.P.); (N.K.)
| | - Chee Lan Lau
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (C.L.L.); (M.K.Y.); (N.J.A.)
| | | | - Pauline Siew Mei Lai
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Ramliza Ramli
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Toh Leong Tan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Najma Kori
- Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (P.P.); (N.K.)
| | - Mei Kuen Yin
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (C.L.L.); (M.K.Y.); (N.J.A.)
| | - Nur Jannah Azman
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (C.L.L.); (M.K.Y.); (N.J.A.)
| | - Rodney James
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne 3000, Australia; (R.J.); (K.T.)
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne 3000, Australia; (R.J.); (K.T.)
| | - Isa Naina-Mohamed
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
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Reynolds G, Haeusler G, Slavin MA, Teh B, Thursky K. Latent infection screening and prevalence in cancer patients born outside of Australia: a universal versus risk-based approach? Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:6193-6200. [PMID: 33763725 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06116-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Contention surrounds how best to screen patients for latent and undiagnosed infection prior to cancer treatment. Early treatment and prophylaxis against reactivation may improve infection-associated morbidity. This study sought to examine rates of screening and prevalence of latent infection in overseas-born patients receiving cancer therapies. METHODS A single-centre retrospective audit of 952 overseas-born patients receiving chemotherapy, targeted agents and immunotherapy between January 1 and December 31 2019 was undertaken at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Pre-treatment screening for hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), latent tuberculosis (LTBI), toxoplasmosis and strongyloidiasis was audited. RESULTS Approximately half of our overseas-born patients were screened for HBV (58.9%) and HCV (50.7%). Fewer patients were screened for HIV (30.5%), LTBI (18.3%), strongyloidiasis (8.6%) or toxoplasmosis (8.1%). Although 59.7% of our patients were born in countries with high epidemiological risk for latent infection, according to World Health Organization data, 35% were not screened for any infection prior to commencement of therapy. CONCLUSION The prevalence of latent infections amongst overseas-born patients with cancer, and complexities associated with risk-based screening, likely supports universal latent infection screening amongst this higher-risk cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Reynolds
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia.
| | - Gabrielle Haeusler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Monica A Slavin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin Teh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Abstract
Introduction: Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T cell therapy) is a novel immunotherapy with promising results in the treatment of relapsed or refractory B cell malignancies. Patients undergoing CAR-T cell therapy are at increased risk of infection due to prior immunosuppression, lymphodepleting chemotherapy, treatment of unique toxicities with tocilizumab and/or steroids, on-target effects of hypogammaglobulinaemia, and prolonged cytopenias.Areas covered: A narrative review of infections (PubMed, August 2020) occurring in patients undergoing CAR-T cell therapy is described, and the evidence for infection prevention strategies is presented.Expert commentary: The rapid adoption of CAR-T cell therapy into clinical practice presents many challenges for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of infection. Ongoing surveillance of the spectrum of infectious complications and effectiveness of prophylaxis is required to support safe and effective patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Bupha-Intr
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Haeusler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,National Centre for Infection in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lynette Chee
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,National Centre for Infection in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Monica Slavin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,National Centre for Infection in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Benjamin Teh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,National Centre for Infection in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Longhitano A, Alipour R, Khot A, Bajel A, Antippa P, Slavin M, Thursky K. The role of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (FDG PET/CT) in assessment of complex invasive fungal disease and opportunistic co-infections in patients with acute leukemia prior to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant. Transpl Infect Dis 2020; 23:e13547. [PMID: 33338319 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Individuals diagnosed with acute lymphoid and myeloid malignancies are at significant risk of invasive fungal and bacterial infections secondary to their marked immunocompromised states with a significant high risk of mortality. The role of metabolic imaging with 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) has been increasingly recognized in optimizing the diagnosis of invasive infection, monitoring the response to therapy and guiding the duration of antimicrobial therapy or need to escalate to surgical intervention. METHODS Two distinct cases of pulmonary co-infection of rare fungal and bacterial pathogens are explored in severely immunocompromised individuals where FDG PET/CT aided both patients to make a full recovery and transition to HCT. The first case explores mixed Scedosporium apiospermum and Rhizomucor pulmonary infection on a background of T cell/myeloid mixed phenotype acute leukemia ultimately warranting long-term antifungal therapy and lobectomy prior to HCT. The second case explores Fusarium and Nocardia pulmonary infection on a background of relapsed AML also warranting surgical resection with lobectomy and long-term antimicrobials prior to transition to HCT. DISCUSSION The cases highlight the utility of FDG PET/CT to support the diagnosis of infections, including the presence or absence of disseminated infection, and to provide highly sensitive monitoring of the infection over time. FDG PET/CT played a key role in directing therapy duration decisions and prompted the necessity for surgical intervention. Ultimately, the use of FDG PET/CT allowed for a successful transition to HCT highlighting its value in this clinical setting. CONCLUSION FDG PET/CT has an emerging role in the diagnostic and monitoring pathway for complex infections in high-risk immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Longhitano
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Ramin Alipour
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne Parkville, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine, Cancer Imaging, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Amit Khot
- Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Ashish Bajel
- Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Phillip Antippa
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Lung Cancer Service, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Monica Slavin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne Parkville, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,National Centre for Infection in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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Rajkhowa A, Thursky K. Awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance in the Community: The Role of the WHO in Addressing Consumer Information Needs. Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/15398285.2020.1810965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Rajkhowa
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Medicine and Radiology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Department of Medicine and Radiology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Loong L, Ponnampalavanar S, Lai P, Syed Omar S, Sohail A, Wong P, Ong HC, Kukreja A, Ng R, Tan L, Tan C, Lee C, Lim K, Thursky K, James R. Antimicrobial prescribing trends and appropriateness in a tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia. Int J Infect Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.09.263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Saha SK, Kong DCM, Thursky K, Mazza D. Antimicrobial stewardship by Australian community pharmacists: Uptake, collaboration, challenges, and needs. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2020; 61:158-168.e7. [PMID: 33187894 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2020.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess community pharmacists' (CPs') awareness and uptake of evidence-based antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) strategies, attitudes toward collaboration with general practitioners (GPs), and needs to improve AMS practices. METHODS A nationwide survey of randomly sampled community pharmacies across Australia was conducted in April-October 2019. RESULTS The response rate of CPs was 30.7% (613 of 2000) and 592 participating CPs (96.5%) described the key barriers to and facilitators of improving AMS. CPs (447 of 613, 72.9%) were familiar with AMS but felt that they would require training (468 of 612, 76.5%) and access to AMS practice guidelines (566 of 605, 93.6%). Respondents perceived that AMS programs could reduce the inappropriate use of antimicrobials (409 of 612, 66.8%) and the costs of treating infection (508 of 612, 83.0%). CPs often counseled patients (591 of 609, 97.0%) and reviewed drug interactions or allergies (569 of 607, 93.8%) before dispensing antimicrobials. Respondents less often used the national Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic (274 of 602, 45.5%) or assessed guideline-compliance of prescribed antimicrobials (231 of 609, 37.9%). CPs were less likely to communicate with GPs (254 of 609, 41.8%) when an antimicrobial prescription was believed to be suboptimal and perceived that GPs are not receptive to their intervention regarding the antimicrobial choice (500 of 606, 82.6%) and dosage (416 of 606, 68.6%). Point-of-care tests (114 of 596, 19.1%) and patient information leaflets (149 of 608, 24.5%) were used uncommonly. Most respondents supported policies that could foster GP-pharmacist collaboration (560 of 606, 92.4%), limit accessibility of selected antimicrobials (420 of 604, 74.4%), and reduce repeat-dispensing of antimicrobial prescriptions (448 of 604, 74.2%). CPs faced interpersonal, interactional, structural, and resource-level barriers to collaborate with GPs for practicing AMS. CONCLUSIONS CPs are aware of the importance of sensible use of antimicrobials but have had limited training and resources to conduct AMS activities. Improving GPs' receptiveness and system structures for increased GP-CP collaboration seem to be a priority to accelerate CP-led AMS implementation. Further study is required to understand the views of stakeholders about the feasibility of implementing evidence-based GP-CP collaborative AMS approaches.
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McMullan BJ, Haeusler GM, Hall L, Cooley L, Stewardson AJ, Blyth CC, Jones CA, Konecny P, Babl FE, Mechinaud F, Thursky K. Aminoglycoside use in paediatric febrile neutropenia - Outcomes from a nationwide prospective cohort study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238787. [PMID: 32936822 PMCID: PMC7494114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aminoglycosides are commonly prescribed to children with febrile neutropenia (FN) but their impact on clinical outcomes is uncertain and extent of guideline compliance is unknown. We aimed to review aminoglycoside prescription and additional antibiotic prescribing, guideline compliance and outcomes for children with FN. We analysed data from the Australian Predicting Infectious ComplicatioNs in Children with Cancer (PICNICC) prospective multicentre cohort study, in children <18 years with FN between November 2016 and January 2018. Impact of aminoglycoside use in the first 12 hours of FN on composite unfavourable outcome of death, ICU admission, relapse of infection or late-onset sepsis was assessed using multivariable Cox regression. The study was conducted in Australia where antimicrobial resistance among gram negative organisms is relatively low. Data from 858 episodes of FN in 462 children from 8 centres were assessed, median age 5.8 years (IQR 3.5-10.8 years). Early empiric aminoglycosides were prescribed in 255 episodes (29.7%). Guideline non-compliance was common: in 46% (184/400) of eligible episodes, patients did not receive aminoglycosides, while aminoglycosides were prescribed in 9% (39/458) of guideline-ineligible episodes. Adjusted hazard of the composite unfavourable outcome was 3.81 times higher among patients prescribed empiric aminoglycosides than among those who weren't (95% confidence interval, 1.89-7.67), with no increased risk of unfavourable outcome in eligible patients who did not receive aminoglycosides. In a large paediatric FN cohort, aminoglycoside prescription was common and was often non-compliant with guidelines. There was no evidence for improved outcome with aminoglycosides, even in those who met guideline criteria, within a low-resistance setting. Empiric aminoglycoside prescription for children with FN requires urgent review in guidelines and in national practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J. McMullan
- NHMRC National Centre for Infections in Cancer, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Gabrielle M. Haeusler
- NHMRC National Centre for Infections in Cancer, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Infection Diseases Unit, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Infection and Immunity Theme, The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Hall
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Louise Cooley
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Stewardson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher C. Blyth
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, PathWest Laboratory Medicine, QEII Medical Centre, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Cheryl A. Jones
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Children’s Hospital Network–The Children’s at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pamela Konecny
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Immunology & Sexual Health, St George Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- St George & Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Franz E. Babl
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Emergency Department, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT), Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Françoise Mechinaud
- Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Hôpital Robert Debré APHP Nord-Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Karin Thursky
- NHMRC National Centre for Infections in Cancer, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- NHMRC National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Ierano C, Thursky K, Peel T, Koning S, James R, Johnson S, Hall L, Worth LJ, Marshall C. Factors associated with antimicrobial choice for surgical prophylaxis in Australia. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2020; 2:dlaa036. [PMID: 34223002 PMCID: PMC8210066 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlaa036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cefazolin is the most commonly recommended antimicrobial for surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP). However, the Australian Surgical National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey revealed a wide range of antimicrobials prescribed for SAP. Inappropriate use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials is associated with increased patient harm and is a posited driver for antimicrobial resistance. Objectives To describe patient, hospital and surgical factors that are associated with appropriateness of the top five prescribed antimicrobials/antimicrobial classes for procedural SAP. Methods All procedures audited from 18 April 2016 to 15 April 2019 in the Surgical National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey were included in the analysis. Estimated marginal means analyses accounted for a range of variables and calculated a rate of adjusted appropriateness (AA). Subanalyses of the top five audited antimicrobials/antimicrobial classes identified associations between variables and appropriateness. Results A total of 12 419 surgical episodes with 14 150 prescribed initial procedural doses were included for analysis. When procedural SAP was prescribed, appropriateness was low (57.7%). Allergy status, surgical procedure group and the presence of prosthetic material were positively associated with cefazolin and aminoglycoside appropriateness (P < 0.05). There were no significant positive associations with glycopeptides and third/fourth-generation cephalosporins. The use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials was the most common reason for inappropriate choice (67.9% of metronidazole to 83.3% of third/fourth-generation cephalosporin prescriptions). Conclusions Various factors influence appropriateness of procedural SAP choice. Identification of these factors provides targets for antimicrobial stewardship interventions, e.g. procedures where surgeons are regularly prescribing broad-spectrum SAP. These can be tailored to address local hospital prescribing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Ierano
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Trisha Peel
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health/Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Sonia Koning
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Rod James
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Sandra Johnson
- Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS), Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Lisa Hall
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Leon J Worth
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.,Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS), Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Caroline Marshall
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.,Victorian Infectious Diseases Service (VIDS), Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia.,Infection Prevention and Surveillance Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
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42
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Manski-Nankervis JA, Biezen R, Thursky K, Boyle D, Clark M, Lo S, Buising K. Developing a Clinical Decision Support Tool for Appropriate Antibiotic Prescribing in Australian General Practice: A Simulation Study. Med Decis Making 2020; 40:428-437. [PMID: 32507028 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x20926136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background. Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing can lead to antimicrobial resistance and drug side effects. Tools that assist general practitioners (GPs) in prescribing decisions may help to optimize prescribing. The aim of this study was to explore the use, acceptability, and feasibility of a clinical decision support (CDS) tool that incorporates evidence-based guidelines and consumer information that integrates with the electronic medical record (EMR). Methods. Eight GPs completed an interview and brief survey after participating in 2 simulated consultations. The survey consisted of demographic questions, perception of realism and representativeness of consultations, Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire, and System Usability Scale. Qualitative data were analyzed using framework analysis. Video data were reviewed, with length of consultation and time spent using the CDS tool documented. Results. Survey responses indicated that all GPs thought the consultations were "real" and representative of real-life consultations; 7 of 8 GPs were satisfied with usability of the tool. Key qualitative findings included that the tool assisted with clinical decision making and informed appropriate antibiotic prescribing. Accessibility and ease of use, including content (guideline and patient education resources), layout, and format, were key factors that determined whether GPs said that they would access the tool in everyday practice. Integration of the tool at multiple sites within the EMR facilitated access to guidelines and assisted in ensuring that the tool fit the clinical workflow. Conclusion. Our CDS tool was acceptable to GPs. Key features required for the tool were easy navigation, clear and useful guideline content, ability to fit into the clinical workflow, and incorporation into the EMR. Piloting of the tool in general practices to assess the impact and feasibility of use in real-world consultations will now be undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruby Biezen
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- The National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Douglas Boyle
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Malcolm Clark
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sean Lo
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirsty Buising
- The National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Ierano C, Rajkhowa A, Peel T, Marshall C, Ayton D, Thursky K. Antibiotic prescribing in surgery: A clinically and socially complex problem in Australia. Infect Dis Health 2020; 25:309-313. [PMID: 32444345 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Surgical prophylaxis is a common indication for antimicrobial use in Australian hospitals with demonstrated poor rates of appropriateness. Ongoing analysis of the Surgical National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey and exploration of influences on antimicrobial prescribing decisions can help identify clinical and behavioural issues that contribute to problematic antimicrobial use. Triangulation of quantitative and qualitiatve data supports the development of surgical antimicrobial stewardship, i.e., quality improvement initiatives for the optimisation of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis. Such initiatives should be developed and implemented at both local and national levels to ensure that they remain effective and sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Ierano
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Arjun Rajkhowa
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Trisha Peel
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health/Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Caroline Marshall
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Infection Prevention and Surveillance Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Victorian Infectious Diseases Service (VIDS), Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Darshini Ayton
- Monash University, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Uffen JW, Oosterheert JJ, Schweitzer VA, Thursky K, Kaasjager HAH, Ekkelenkamp MB. Interventions for rapid recognition and treatment of sepsis in the emergency department: a narrative review. Clin Microbiol Infect 2020; 27:192-203. [PMID: 32120030 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early recognition and treatment of sepsis is associated with improved outcome. The emergency department (ED) is the department where patients with sepsis seek care. However, recognition of sepsis in the ED remains difficult. Different alert and triage systems, screening scores and intervention strategies have been developed to assist clinicians in early recognition of sepsis and to optimize management. OBJECTIVES This narrative review describes currently applied interventions or interventions we can start using today, such as screening scores, (automated) triage systems, sepsis teams and clinical pathways in sepsis care; and it summarizes evidence for the effect of implementation of these interventions in the ED on patient management and outcomes. SOURCES A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, resulting in 39 eligible studies. CONTENT The main sepsis interventions in the ED are (automated) triage systems, sepsis teams and clinical pathways, the most integrative being a clinical pathway. Implementation of any of these interventions in sepsis care will generally lead to increased protocol adherence. Presumably increased adherence to sepsis guidelines and bundles will lead to better patient outcomes, but the level of evidence to support this improvement is low, whereas implementation of interventions is often complex and costly. No studies comparing different interventions were identified. Two essential factors for success of interventions in the ED are obtaining the support from all professionals and providing ongoing education. The vulnerability of these interventions lies in the lack of accurate tools to identify sepsis; diagnosing sepsis ultimately still relies on clinical assessments. A lack of specificity or sepsis alerts may lead to alert fatigue and/or overtreatment. IMPLICATIONS The severity and poor outcome of sepsis as well as the frequency of its presentation in EDs make a structured, protocol-based approach towards these patients essential, preferably as part of a clinical pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Uffen
- Division of Acute Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - J J Oosterheert
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - V A Schweitzer
- Department of Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - K Thursky
- Department of Infectious Disease, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - H A H Kaasjager
- Division of Acute Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - M B Ekkelenkamp
- Department of Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Ierano C, Thursky K, Peel T, Rajkhowa A, Marshall C, Ayton D. Influences on surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis decision making by surgical craft groups, anaesthetists, pharmacists and nurses in public and private hospitals. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225011. [PMID: 31725771 PMCID: PMC6855473 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) is a leading indication for antibiotic use in the hospital setting, with demonstrated high rates of inappropriateness. Decision-making for SAP is complex and multifactorial. A greater understanding of these factors is needed to inform the design of targeted antimicrobial stewardship interventions and strategies to support the optimization of SAP and its impacts on patient care. Methods A qualitative case study exploring the phenomenon of SAP decision-making. Focus groups were conducted with surgeons, anaesthetists, theatre nurses and pharmacists across one private and two public hospitals in Australia. Thematic analysis was guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Capabilities, Opportunities, Motivators-Behaviour (COM-B) model. Results Fourteen focus groups and one paired interview were completed. Ten of the fourteen TDF domains were identified as relevant. Thematic analysis revealed six significant themes mapped to the COM-B model, and subthemes mapped to the relevant TDF domains in a combined framework. Key themes identified were: 1) Low priority for surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis prescribing skills; 2) Prescriber autonomy takes precedence over guideline compliance; 3) Social codes of prescribing reinforce established practices; 4) Need for improved communication, documentation and collection of data for action; 5) Fears and perceptions of risk hinder appropriate SAP prescribing; and 6) Lack of clarity regarding roles and accountability. Conclusions SAP prescribing is a complex process that involves multiple professions across the pre-, intra- and post-operative surgical settings. The utilisation of behaviour change frameworks to identify barriers and enablers to optimal SAP prescribing supports future development of theory-informed antimicrobial stewardship interventions. Interventions should aim to increase surgeon engagement, enhance the prioritisation of and accountability for SAP, and address the underlying social factors involved in SAP decision-making, such as professional hierarchy and varied perceptions or risks and fears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Ierano
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Trisha Peel
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Alfred Health/Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arjun Rajkhowa
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caroline Marshall
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Infection Prevention and Surveillance Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service (VIDS), Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Darshini Ayton
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Dowson L, Rajkhowa A, Buising K, Kong DC, Stuart RL, Thursky K, Bennett N. The 2018 Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey: results show room for improvement. Aust Prescr 2019; 42:200-203. [PMID: 31937990 PMCID: PMC6954873 DOI: 10.18773/austprescr.2019.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The annual Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey aims to identify local and national prescribing issues and guide antimicrobial stewardship goals
In the 2018 point prevalence survey, medication charts of over 20,000 residents were reviewed from 407 participating facilities across Australia
On the day of the survey, almost 10% of residents were prescribed an antimicrobial
Nearly two-thirds of recently prescribed antimicrobials were for residents who had no documented signs or symptoms of infection
Over a quarter of antimicrobials had been prescribed for longer than six months
Incomplete documentation was a prominent barrier to proper review of antimicrobial therapy, with the indication, review date or stop date not documented for many prescriptions
Recommendations include using appropriate microbiological testing to guide prescribing, following national antimicrobial prescribing guidelines, documenting the indication for the antimicrobial, and its start, stop and review dates, and monitoring and re-evaluating long-term antimicrobial use
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Dowson
- Monash University, Melbourne, Vic.,National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Melbourne, Vic
| | - Arjun Rajkhowa
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Melbourne, Vic.,University of Melbourne, Vic
| | - Kirsty Buising
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Melbourne, Vic.,University of Melbourne, Vic.,Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Melbourne, Vic
| | - David Cm Kong
- Monash University, Melbourne, Vic.,National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Melbourne, Vic.,Ballarat Health Services, Ballarat, Vic
| | - Rhonda L Stuart
- Monash University, Melbourne, Vic.,National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Melbourne, Vic.,Monash Health, Clayton, Vic
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Melbourne, Vic.,University of Melbourne, Vic.,Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic
| | - Noleen Bennett
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Melbourne, Vic.,University of Melbourne, Vic.,Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System Coordinating Centre, Melbourne, Vic
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) is a common indication for antibiotic use in hospitals and is associated with high rates of inappropriateness. OBJECTIVE To describe the SAP prescribing practices and assess hospital, surgical, and patient factors associated with appropriate SAP prescribing. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Multicenter, national, quality improvement study with retrospective analysis of data collected from Australian hospitals via Surgical National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey audits from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2018. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Crude estimates of appropriateness were adjusted for factors included in the model by calculating estimated marginal means and presented as adjusted-appropriateness with 95% confidence intervals. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Adjusted appropriateness and factors associated with inappropriate prescriptions. RESULTS A total of 9351 surgical episodes and 15 395 prescriptions (10 740 procedural and 4655 postprocedural) were analyzed. Crude appropriateness of total prescriptions was 48.7% (7492 prescriptions). The adjusted appropriateness of each surgical procedure group was low for procedural SAP, ranging from 33.7% (95% CI, 26.3%-41.2%) for dentoalveolar surgery to 68.9% (95% CI, 63.2%-74.5%) for neurosurgery. The adjusted appropriateness of postprocedural prescriptions was also low, ranging from 21.5% (95% CI, 13.4%-29.7%) for breast surgery to 58.7% (95% CI, 47.9%-69.4%) for ophthalmological procedures. The most common reason for inappropriate procedural SAP was incorrect timing (44.9%), while duration greater than 24 hours was the most common reason for inappropriate postprocedural SAP (54.3%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE High rates of inappropriate procedural and postprocedural antimicrobial use were demonstrated across all surgical specialties. Reasons for inappropriateness, such as timing and duration, varied according to the type of SAP and surgical specialty. These findings highlight the need for improvement in SAP prescribing and suggest potential targeted areas for action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Ierano
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Caroline Marshall
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
- Infection Prevention and Surveillance Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Sonia Koning
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rod James
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sandra Johnson
- Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nabeel Imam
- Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Leon J. Worth
- University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Trisha Peel
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health/Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Douglas A, Hall L, James R, Worth L, Slavin M, Thursky K. 1010. Exploring Antimicrobial Prescriptions in a National Audit of Hematology/Oncology Inpatients Compared with the General Inpatient Population: Targeted Analysis Highlights Key Areas for Targeted Intervention. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019. [PMCID: PMC6810919 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz360.874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about the antimicrobial prescribing practices in hematology and oncology (haemonc) populations. We aimed to explore antimicrobial prescribing practices in haemonc patients compared with other acute inpatients, in order to target areas for intervention. Methods In Australia, facilities nationwide participate in an annual point-prevalence survey of antimicrobial prescribing in hospitalized patients (Hospital National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (Hospital NAPS)). The results for adult inpatients from 2015–2018 were analyzed. Assessments of appropriateness were undertaken by local antimicrobial stewardship teams according to a structured algorithm, and defined as: 1 (optimal); 2 (adequate); 3 (suboptimal); 4 (inadequate); 5 (not assessable). A score of 1 or 2 is considered to be”appropriate’ and 3 or 4 ‘inappropriate’; those not assessable were excluded. Antimicrobial class, indication and appropriateness were compared between haemonc and other acute inpatient populations. Using logistic regression analysis, factors associated with appropriate prescribing of antibacterials were explored. Results The survey comprised 95809 antibiotic prescriptions for 63668 adult inpatients (4097 haemonc, 59571 other inpatients) in 423 acute facilities. The top treatment and prophylactic indications for all classes of antimicrobials were highly disparate between haemonc and other inpatients (table). Of note in the haemonc group, vancomycin use was high, and amphotericin B was used frequently for antifungal treatment. In multivariate analysis, haemonc patients were strongly associated with antibacterial appropriateness compared with other inpatients (adjusted OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.59–1.87, P < 0.001); factors associated with inappropriate prescription included antibiotic allergies and prophylactic indications. Conclusion Haemonc patients were more likely to receive appropriate antimicrobials compared with other inpatients. However, we have identified key areas for targeted interventions (prophylaxis use, antimicrobial allergy labels, vancomycin and amphotericin B treatment). Separate analysis of haemonc populations is necessary to identify key areas of concern specific to this patient group. ![]()
Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby Douglas
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Hall
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rodney James
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leon Worth
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Monica Slavin
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Ierano C, Ayton D, Peel T, Marshall C, Thursky K. Evaluating the implementability of Antibiotic Surgical Prophylaxis guidelines. Infect Dis Health 2019; 25:11-21. [PMID: 31523036 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current Australian data highlight guideline noncompliant prescribing of antimicrobials for surgical prophylaxis. The study aim was to evaluate the implementability of the Australian national surgical prophylaxis (SAP) guidelines to identify facilitators for and barriers to compliance. METHODS Key stakeholders appraised the surgical prophylaxis guidelines using the GuideLine Implementability Appraisal (GLIA) tool. Questions with 100% agreement for the response 'Yes' were identified as facilitators and those with 100% agreement for 'No', a barrier. Questions that did not receive 100% agreement, but had a majority (40-60%) 'Yes' or 'No' consensus were considered as borderline facilitators and barriers respectively. RESULTS Ten appraisals were completed. Guideline recommendations were rated as easily identifiable and concise and were thus facilitators for implementation. The ability to measure guideline adherence and outcomes, and recommendations that were consistent with guideline user abilities and beliefs were also identified as facilitators. Borderline facilitators related to the clarity of the recommendations and whether they were explicit in what to do and in what circumstances. Evidence quality underpinning recommendations (validity), inflexibility of recommendations (flexibility) and the lack of patient data at the point of use (computability) were identified as borderline barriers to implementation. No recommendation reached agreement as being a barrier. CONCLUSION The GLIA appraisal demonstrated overall implementability of the current Australian national surgical prophylaxis guidelines. Facilitators (i.e., measurability) and borderline facilitators highlight strengths of the current guideline. Borderline barriers (i.e., validity, flexibility and computability) may negatively impact upon implementability. Guideline developers should consider these dimensions to optimise guideline uptake and consequently patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Ierano
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Darshini Ayton
- Monash University, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Trisha Peel
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health/Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Caroline Marshall
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Infection Prevention and Surveillance Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Victorian Infectious Diseases Service (VIDS), Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence: National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), Peter Doherty Research Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Biezen R, Roberts C, Buising K, Thursky K, Boyle D, Lau P, Clark M, Manski-Nankervis JA. How do general practitioners access guidelines and utilise electronic medical records to make clinical decisions on antibiotic use? Results from an Australian qualitative study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e028329. [PMID: 31383702 PMCID: PMC6687052 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore how general practitioners (GPs) access and use both guidelines and electronic medical records (EMRs) to assist in clinical decision-making when prescribing antibiotics in Australia. DESIGN This is an exploratory qualitative study with thematic analysis interpreted using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) framework. SETTING This study was conducted in general practice in Victoria, Australia. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-six GPs from five general practices were recruited to participate in five focus groups between February and April 2018. RESULTS GPs expressed that current EMR systems do not provide clinical decision support to assist with antibiotic prescribing. Access and use of guidelines were variable. GPs who had more clinical experience were less likely to access guidelines than younger and less experienced GPs. Guideline use and guideline-concordant prescribing was facilitated if there was a practice culture encouraging evidence-based practice. However, a lack of access to guidelines and perceived patients' expectation and demand for antibiotics were barriers to guideline-concordant prescribing. Furthermore, guidelines that were easy to access and navigate, free, embedded within EMRs and fit into the clinical workflow were seen as likely to enhance guideline use. CONCLUSIONS Current barriers to the use of antibiotic guidelines include GPs' experience, patient factors, practice culture, and ease of access and cost of guidelines. To reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and to promote more rational use of antibiotic in the community, guidelines should be made available, accessible and easy to use, with minimal cost to practicing GPs. Integration of evidence-based antibiotic guidelines within the EMR in the form of a clinical decision support tool could optimise guideline use and increase guideline-concordant prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Biezen
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cassandra Roberts
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirsty Buising
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Serivce, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karin Thursky
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Douglas Boyle
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phyllis Lau
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Malcolm Clark
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
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