Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) in the republic of Ireland: results of a national survey

Abstract Background: Contact tracing remains a critical part of controlling the spread of COVID-19. Many countries have developed novel software applications (Apps) in an effort to augment traditional contact tracing methods. Aim: To conduct a national survey of the Irish population to examine barriers and levers to the use of a contact tracing App.Methods: Adult participants were invited to respond via an online survey weblink sent via email and messaging Apps and posted on our university website and on popular social media platforms. Results: A total of 8,088 responses were received, with all 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland represented. 54% of respondents said they would definitely download a contact tracing App, while 30% said they would probably download a contact tracing App. 95% of respondents identified at least one reason for them to download the App, with the most common reasons being the potential for the App to help family members and friends and a sense of responsibility to the wider community. 59% identified at least one reason not to download the App, with the most common reasons being fear that technology companies or the government might use the App technology for greater surveillance after the pandemic.Conclusion: Irish citizens surveyed express high levels of willingness to download a public health-backed App to augment contact tracing. Concerns raised regarding privacy and data security will be critical if the App is to achieve the large-scale adoption and ongoing use required for its effective operation.

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Current Status of Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) At a University-Affiliated Acute-Care Hospital in The Republic of Korea

10.21203/rs.3.rs-960331/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Eunjeong Heo ◽

Yoonhee Choi ◽

Hyung-sook Kim ◽

Hyung Wook Namgung ◽

Eunsook Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Therapy ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Management Program ◽

Republic Of Korea ◽

Current Status ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy ◽

The Republic ◽

Tract Infections

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to describe current status of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) at a tertiary care hospital in the Republic of Korea. Methods This retrospective study was conducted on outpatients and referral patients who had a prescription of parenteral antibiotics from July to December 2019. We reviewed the prescribed antimicrobials, the indication of antimicrobial therapy, where patients administered antimicrobial injection and management of pre- and post- prescriptions. Results Of the 577 episodes included in this study, 399 (69.2%) were delivered by referral model, 178 (30.8%) by outpatient model. About 70% of OPATs were prescribed in the pulmonology, infectious diseases, orthopedics, gastroenterology, and hematology departments. Five antibiotics (ertapenem (26.0%), ceftriaxone (12.8%), kanamycin (11.8%), amikacin (10.1%), and cefazolin (8.5%)) accounted for 69.2% of the total OPATs. Urinary tract infections (27.3%), respiratory infections (20.8%), and intra-abdominal infections (15.9%) are the most frequent indications of OPAT. After prescription, there were 295 (73.9%) follow-up visits in referral model and 150 (84.3%) in outpatient model (p<0.05). Laboratory tests necessary for monitoring were totally performed in 274 (47.5%). Conclusions We found that significant number of OPAT was prescribed, follow-up visits were not performed in about a quarter of episodes, and laboratory monitoring was not fully conducted in more than half of the cases. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an appropriate management program for OPAT. Considering limited resources and the distribution of OPAT prescriptions, it may be effective to select frequently used antibiotics or frequently prescribed departments and start the program for them.

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