scholarly journals Interrupted Time-Series Analysis to Evaluate the Impact of a Behavioral Change Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship Intervention

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. s15-s16
Author(s):  
Brittany Morgan ◽  
Larissa May ◽  
Haylee Bettencourt
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Antibiotic Stewardship ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Inappropriate Prescribing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Quality Improvement Intervention ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Improvement Intervention ◽  
Inappropriate Prescriptions

Background: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that outpatient settings account for 85%–90% of antibiotic prescriptions in the United States, and ~30% of those prescriptions are unnecessary. One of the most common examples of inappropriate prescribing is for viral upper respiratory infections (URIs). Up to 50% of prescriptions written for URIs are deemed inappropriate, making it an important focus for Antibiotic Stewardship programs. In this study, we evaluated the effect of a behaviorally enhanced quality improvement intervention in reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for viral URIs. Methods: A quasi-experimental study assessed the effects of an Antibiotic Stewardship intervention on antibiotic prescribing for viral URIs. The outcome of interest was a change in the number of antibiotics prescribed at each participating clinic over a 1-year preimplementation period and a 2-year postimplementation period. Time trends were analyzed using segmented regression analysis, and a stepped wedge design was used to account for intervention roll-out across clinics. Results: From 2017 to 2020, there were 63,028 patient visits in 21 clinic locations. Antibiotics were prescribed an average of 11.5% and 5.8% of visits during the pre- and postimplementation periods, respectively. The most frequently prescribed antibiotic over the study period was azithromycin (n = 3,551), followed by amoxicillin (n = 924). Overall, the intervention was associated with a 46% reduction in antibiotic prescriptions or 0.54 times (P = .001) as many inappropriate antibiotics prescribed as before the intervention. There was no significant change in the month-to-month trend in inappropriate prescriptions after the intervention was implemented (P = .87). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that a behaviorally enhanced quality improvement intervention to reduce inappropriate prescribing for URI in ambulatory care encounters was successful in reducing potentially inappropriate prescriptions for presumed viral respiratory infections.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

scholarly journals Interrupted time-series analysis to evaluate the impact of a behavioral change outpatient antibiotic stewardship intervention

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany L. Morgan ◽  
Haylee Bettencourt ◽  
Larissa May
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Eligible Patient ◽  
Inappropriate Prescribing ◽  
Interrupted Time Series ◽  
International Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Quality Improvement Intervention ◽  
Interrupted Time Series Analysis ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Improvement Intervention

Abstract Objective: We evaluated the effect of a behaviorally enhanced quality improvement intervention in reducing the number of antibiotic prescriptions written for antibiotic nonresponsive acute respiratory infections (ARIs). A secondary objective was identifying whether a reduction in inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions, if present, persisted after the immediate implementation of the intervention. Design: Nonrandomized, quasi-experimental study conducted from January 2017 through February 2020. Setting: University of California, Davis Health outpatient clinics. In total, 21 pediatric, family, and internal medicine practices in 10 cities and towns were included. Patients: Patients evaluated by a participating physician at an enrolled practice site during the study period with diagnoses (primary and secondary) from the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes consistent with antibiotic nonresponsive ARI diagnoses. Intervention: A behaviorally enhanced quality improvement intervention to reduce inappropriate prescribing for antibiotic nonresponsive ARI. Results: In total, 63,028 eligible patient visits across 21 locations were included in the analysis. The most frequently prescribed antibiotic for antibiotic nonresponsive ARI was azithromycin (n = 3,551), followed by amoxicillin (n = 924). Overall, the intervention was associated with an immediate 46% reduction in antibiotic prescriptions for antibiotic nonresponsive ARI (P = .001) following the intervention. We detected no significant change in the month-to-month trend after the intervention was implemented (P = .87), indicating that the reduction was sustained throughout the postintervention period. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that a behaviorally enhanced quality improvement intervention to reduce inappropriate prescribing for antibiotic nonresponsive ARI in ambulatory care encounters was successful in reducing potentially inappropriate prescriptions for presumed antibiotic nonresponsive ARI.

scholarly journals Clinical impact of pharmacist-led antibiotic stewardship programs in outpatient settings in the United States: A scoping review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
James St. Louis ◽  
Arinze Nkemdirim Okere
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Antibiotic Stewardship ◽  
The United States ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Pharmacist Interventions ◽  
Outpatient Settings ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Disclaimer In an effort to expedite the publication of articles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, AJHP is posting these manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Purpose To provide an overview of the impact of pharmacist interventions on antibiotic prescribing and the resultant clinical outcomes in an outpatient antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) in the United States. Methods Reports on studies of pharmacist-led ASP interventions implemented in US outpatient settings published from January 2000 to November 2020 and indexed in PubMed or Google Scholar were included. Additionally, studies documented at the ClinicalTrials.gov website were evaluated. Study selection was based on predetermined inclusion criteria; only randomized controlled trials, observational studies, nonrandomized controlled trials, and case-control studies conducted in outpatient settings in the United States were included. The primary outcome was the observed differences in antibiotic prescribing or clinical benefits between pharmacist-led ASP interventions and usual care. Results Of the 196 studies retrieved for full-text review, a cumulative total of 15 studies were included for final evaluation. Upon analysis, we observed that there was no consistent methodology in the implementation of ASPs and, in most cases, the outcome of interest varied. Nonetheless, there was a trend toward improvement in antibiotic prescribing with pharmacist interventions in ASPs compared with that under usual care (P < 0.05). However, the results of these studies are not easily generalizable. Conclusion Our findings suggest a need for a consistent approach for the practical application of outpatient pharmacist-led ASPs. Managed care organizations could play a significant role in ensuring the successful implementation of pharmacist-led ASPs in outpatient settings.

scholarly journals An antibiotic stewardship programme to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory infections in rural Chinese primary care facilities: study protocol for a clustered randomised controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Zhuo ◽  
Xiaolin Wei ◽  
Zhitong Zhang ◽  
Joseph Paul Hicks ◽  
Jinkun Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Antibiotic Stewardship ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Inappropriate Prescribing ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Acute Respiratory Infections ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Antibiotic Stewardship Programme

Abstract Background: Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for acute respiratory infections at primary care level represents the major source of antibiotic misuse in healthcare, and is a major driver for antimicrobial resistance worldwide. In this study we will develop, pilot and evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive antibiotic stewardship programme in China’s primary care hospitals to reduce inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for acute respiratory infections among all ages.Methods: We will use a parallel-group, cluster-randomised, controlled, superiority trial with blinded outcome evaluation but unblinded treatment (providers and patients). We will randomise 34 primary care hospitals from two counties within Guangdong province into the intervention and control arm (1:1 overall ratio) stratified by county (8:9 within-county ratio). In the control arm, antibiotic prescribing and management will continue through usual care. In the intervention arm, we will implement an antibiotic stewardship programme targeting family physicians and patients/caregivers. The family physician components include: 1) training using new operational guidelines, 2) improved management and peer-review of antibiotic prescribing, 3) improved electronic medical records and smart phone app facilitation. The patient/caregiver component involves patient education via family physicians, leaflets and videos. The primary outcome is the proportion of prescriptions for acute respiratory infections (excluding pneumonia) that contain any antibiotic(s). Secondary outcomes will address how frequently specific classes of antibiotics are prescribed, how frequently key non-antibiotic alternatives are prescribed and the costs of consultations. We will conduct a qualitative process evaluation to explore operational questions regarding acceptability, cultural appropriateness and burden of technology use, as well as a cost-effectiveness analysis and a long-term benefit evaluation. The duration of the intervention will be 12 months, with another 24 months post-trial long-term follow-up.Discussion: Our study is one of the first trials to evaluate the effect of an antibiotic stewardship programme in primary care settings in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC). All intervention activities will be designed to be embedded into routine primary care with strong local ownership. Through the trial we intend to impact on clinical practice and national policy in antibiotic prescription for primary care facilities in rural China and other LMICs.Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN96892547. Registered 18 August 2019, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN96892547

A Multimodal Intervention to Reduce Urinary Catheter Use and Associated Infection at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center

2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 631-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brady L. Miller ◽  
Sarah L. Krein ◽  
Karen E. Fowler ◽  
Karen Belanger ◽  
Debbie Zawol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Urinary Tract Infections ◽  
Urinary Catheter ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Quality Improvement Intervention ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Improvement Intervention

We assessed the impact of a quality improvement intervention to reduce urinary catheter use and associated urinary tract infections (UTIs) at a single hospital. After implementation, UTIs were reduced by 39% (P = .04). Additionally, we observed a slight decrease in catheter use and the number of catheters without an appropriate indication.

scholarly journals Developing and Evaluating a Quality Improvement Intervention to Facilitate Patient Navigation in the Accountable Health Communities Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Holcomb ◽  
Gretchen H. Walton ◽  
Itunu O. Sokale ◽  
Gayla M. Ferguson ◽  
Vanessa R. Schick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Patient Navigation ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Quality Improvement Intervention ◽  
Research Protocol ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Health Communities ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Improvement Intervention

Introduction: The Accountable Health Communities (AHC) Model was designed to address the health-related social needs of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services beneficiaries. Bridge organizations across the AHC Model have identified lack of technical assistance and peer planning as potential barriers to Model success, particularly around patient navigation. The technical assistance and peer planning literature lacks an organizing, conceptual framework, but implementation science frameworks could serve as useful guides. The Strengthening Peer AHC Navigation (SPAN) research protocol seeks to fill this gap and will apply three implementation science frameworks, Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, Intervention Mapping, and the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change compilation, to develop a multi-level quality improvement intervention and evaluate the impact of peer planning on Model outcomes. The aims of the SPAN study are to implement and evaluate a novel multi-level quality improvement intervention to improve AHC implementation and navigation milestones through structured peer planning and to provide successful technical assistance for the AHC Model.Methods and Analysis: The quality improvement intervention is outlined in four Tasks: (1) Assessment – to conduct an assessment of each bridge organization's current implementation, needs, and readiness in AHC Model navigation activities; (2) Planning – to engage in a peer planning approach to build capacity for AHC Model navigation activities; (3) Implementation with technical assistance – Co-creation of a quality improvement protocol for AHC Model navigation activities; and (4) Evaluation – measure the impact of the peer planning and technical assistance approach. Alongside the development and implementation of the quality improvement intervention, this protocol describes a mixed method, convergent parallel study design which will be used to evaluate whether the quality improvement intervention will lead to better outcomes. Tasks will be replicated with five bridge organizations participating in the AHC Model.Discussion: This research protocol provides a framework that can be used to conduct structured peer planning with technical assistance for social needs programs. This study will provide data on both implementation and outcomes which eventually may impact healthcare cost and utilization.

scholarly journals Primary Care Physicians’ Attitudes and Perceptions Towards Antibiotic Resistance and Antibiotic Stewardship: A National Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel M Zetts ◽  
Andrea M Garcia ◽  
Jason N Doctor ◽  
Jeffrey S Gerber ◽  
Jeffrey A Linder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Antibiotic Stewardship ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Inappropriate Prescribing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing

Abstract Background Outpatient antibiotic stewardship is needed to reduce inappropriate prescribing and minimize the development of resistant bacteria. We assessed primary care physicians’ perceptions of antibiotic resistance, antibiotic use, and the need for stewardship activities. Methods We conducted a national online survey of 1550 internal, family, and pediatric medicine physicians in the United States recruited from an opt-in panel of healthcare professionals. Descriptive statistics were generated for respondent demographics and question responses. Responses were also stratified by geographic region and medical specialty, with a χ 2 test used to assess for differences. Results More respondents agreed that antibiotic resistance was a problem in the United States (94%) than in their practice (55%) and that inappropriate antibiotic prescribing was a problem in outpatient settings (91%) than in their practice (37%). In addition, 60% agreed that they prescribed antibiotics more appropriately than their peers. Most respondents (91%) believed that antibiotic stewardship was appropriate in office-based practices, but they ranked antibiotic resistance as less important than other public health issues such as obesity, diabetes, opioids, smoking, and vaccine hesitancy. Approximately half (47%) believed they would need a lot of help to implement stewardship. Respondents indicated that they were likely to implement antibiotic stewardship efforts in response to feedback or incentives provided by payers or health departments. Conclusions Primary care physicians generally did not recognize antibiotic resistance and inappropriate prescribing as issues in their practice. This poses a challenge for the success of outpatient stewardship. Healthcare stakeholders will need to explore opportunities for feedback and incentive activities to encourage stewardship uptake.

scholarly journals Utilizing Behavioral Science to Improve Antibiotic Prescribing in Rural Urgent Care Settings

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia L Cummings ◽  
Rita Alajajian ◽  
Larissa S May ◽  
Russel Grant ◽  
Hailey Greer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Inappropriate Prescribing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Urgent Care ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Its Analysis ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Inappropriate Prescriptions

Abstract Background Antibiotic-inappropriate prescribing for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) is 45% among urgent care centers (UCCs) in the United States. Locally in our UCCs, antibiotic-inappropriate prescribing for ARTI is higher—over 70%. Methods We used a quasi-experimental design to implement 3 behavioral interventions targeting antibiotic-inappropriate/non-guideline-concordant prescribing for ARTI at 3 high-volume rural UCCs and analyzed prescribing rates pre- and post-intervention. The 3 interventions were (1) staff/patient education, (2) public commitment, and (3) peer comparison. For peer comparison, providers were sent feedback emails with their prescribing data during the intervention period and a blinded ranking email comparing them with their peers. Providers were categorized as “low prescribers” (ie,  ≤23% antibiotic-inappropriate prescriptions based off the US National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria 2020 goal) or “high prescribers” (ie,  ≥45%—the national average of antibiotic-inappropriate prescribing for ARTI). An interrupted time series (ITS) analysis compared prescribing for ARTI (the primary outcome) over a 16-month period before the intervention and during the 6-month intervention period, for a total of 22 months, across the 3 UCCs. Results Fewer antibiotic-inappropriate prescriptions were written during the intervention period (57.7%) compared with the pre-intervention period (72.6%) in the 3 UCCs, resulting in a 14.9% absolute decrease in percentage of antibiotic-inappropriate prescriptions. The ITS analysis revealed that the rate of antibiotic-inappropriate prescribing was statistically significantly different pre-intervention compared with the intervention period (95% confidence interval, –4.59 to –0.59; P = .014). Conclusions In this sample of rural UCCs, we reduced antibiotic-inappropriate prescribing for ARTI using 3 behavioral interventions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document