scholarly journals Prospective Audit for Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship Practices in Intensive Care Unit at a Tertiary-Care Center in India

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. s40-s40
Author(s):  
Parul Singh ◽  
Purva Mathur ◽  
Kamini Walia ◽  
Anjan Trikha

Background: Antimicrobial decision making in the ICU is challenging. Injudicious use of antimicrobials contributes to the development of resistant pathogens and drug-related adverse events. However, inadequate antimicrobial therapy is associated with mortality in critically ill patients. Antimicrobial stewardship programs are increasingly being implemented to improve prescribing. Methods: This prospective study was conducted over 11 months, during which the pharmacist used a standardized survey form to collect data on antibiotic use. Evaluation of antimicrobial use and stewardship practices in a 12-bed polytrauma ICU and a 20-bed neurosurgery ICU of the 248-bed AIIMS Trauma Center in Delhi, India. Antimicrobial consumption was measured using WHO-recommended defined daily dose (DDD) of given antimicrobials and days of therapy (DOT). Results: Antibiotics were ranked by frequency of use over the 11-month period based on empirical therapy and culture-based therapy. The 11-month DDD and DOT averages when empiric antibiotics were used were 532 of 1,000 patient days and 484 per 1,000 patient days, respectively (Figure 1). When cultures were available, DDD was 486 per 1,000 patient days and DOT was 442 per 1,000 patient days (Figure). Conclusions: The quantity and frequency of antibiotics used in the ICUs allowed the AMSP to identify areas to optimize antibiotic use such as educational initiatives, early specimen collection, and audit and feedback opportunities.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lionel Chok ◽  
Katharina Kusejko ◽  
Nadia Eberhard ◽  
Sandra E. Chaudron ◽  
Dirk Saleschus ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Antimicrobial stewardship programs promote the appropriate use of antimicrobial substances through the implementation of evidence-based, active and passive interventions. We analyzed the effect of a computer-assisted intervention on antimicrobial use in a tertiary care hospital. Methods Between 2011 and 2016 we introduced an electronic alert for patients being prescribed meropenem, voriconazole and caspofungin. At prescription and at day 3 of treatment, physicians were informed about the risk related to these antimicrobial substances by an electronic alert in the medical records. Physicians were invited to revoke or confirm the prescription and to contact the infectious disease (ID) team. Using interrupted time series regression, the days of therapy (DOTs) and the number of prescriptions before and after the intervention were compared. Results We counted 64,281 DOTs for 5549 prescriptions during 4100 hospital stays. Overall, the DOTs decreased continuously over time. An additional benefit of the alert could not be observed. Similarly, the number of prescriptions decreased over time, without significant effect of the intervention. When considering the three drugs separately, the alert impacted the duration (change in slope of DOTs/1000 bed days; P = 0.0017) as well as the number of prescriptions (change in slope of prescriptions/1000 bed days; P < 0.001) of voriconazole only. Conclusions The introduction of the alert lowered prescriptions of voriconazole only. Thus, self-stewardship alone seems to have a limited impact on electronic prescriptions of anti-infective substances. Additional measures such as face-to-face prompting with ID physicians or audit and feedback are indispensable to optimize antimicrobial use.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S199-S200
Author(s):  
Olivia Kates ◽  
Elizabeth M Krantz ◽  
Juhye Lee ◽  
John Klaassen ◽  
Jessica Morris ◽  
...  

Abstract Background IDSA/SHEA guidelines recommend that antimicrobial stewardship programs support providers in antibiotic decisions for end of life care. Washington State Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms allow patients to indicate antimicrobial use preferences. We sought to characterize antimicrobial use in the last 30 days of life for cancer patients by presence of a POLST and antimicrobial use preferences. Methods We performed a single-center, retrospective cohort study of cancer patient deaths from January 1, 2016 - June 30, 3018. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, POLST, and antimicrobial use within 30 days before death were extracted from electronic records. To test for an association between POLST completed at least 30 days before death and inpatient antimicrobial days of therapy (DOT) in the 30 days before death, we used negative binomial models adjusted for age, sex, race, and service line (hematologic versus solid malignancy); model estimates are presented as incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) Results Of 1796 patients, 406 (23%) had a POLST. 177/406 (44%) were completed less than 30 days before death, and 58/177 (32.8%) specified limited antibiotic use; 40/177 (23%) did not specify any antimicrobial use preference (Fig 1). Of 1295 patients with at least 1 inpatient day in the 30 days before death, 1070 (83%) received at least 1 inpatient antimicrobial with median DOT of 1077 per 1000 inpatient days (Tab 1). There was no difference in DOT among patients with and without a POLST &gt; /= 30 days before death (IRR 0.92, CI 0.77, 1.10). Patients with a POLST specifying limited antibiotic use had significantly lower inpatient IV antimicrobial DOT compared to those without a POLST (IRR 0.64, CI 0.42–0.97) (Fig 2). Figure 1. Classification of Patients by Presence of POLST, Timing, and Antimicrobial Preference Content of POLST. Numbers shown represent the number of patients (percentage). Full antibiotic use refers to the selection “Use antibiotics for prolongation of life.” Limited antibiotic use refers to the selection “Do not use antibiotics except when needed for symptom management.” Table 1: Antimicrobial use for all patients and by advance directive group Figure 2. Forest plot of model estimates, represented as incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), for associations between POLST antimicrobial specifications completed at least 30 days before death and inpatient antibiotic days of therapy (DOT) in the 30 days before death. Estimates represent comparisons between each POLST category and no POLST completed at least 30 days before death. Dots represent the IRR and brackets extend to the lower and upper limit of the 95% CI. Blue estimates are for the inpatient antibiotic DOT outcome and red estimates are for the inpatient IV antibiotic DOT outcome. Conclusion POLST completion is rare &gt; /= 30 days before death, with few POLSTs specifying antimicrobial use. Compared to those with no POLST in this time frame, patients who indicated that antibiotics should be used only for symptom management received significantly fewer inpatient IV antimicrobials. Early discussion of advance directives including POLST with specification of antimicrobial use preferences may promote more thoughtful use of antimicrobials near the end of life in a compassionate, patient-centered way. Disclosures Steven A. Pergam, MD, MPH, Chimerix, Inc (Scientific Research Study Investigator)Global Life Technologies, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Merck & Co. (Scientific Research Study Investigator)Sanofi-Aventis (Other Financial or Material Support, Participate in clinical trial sponsored by NIAID (U01-AI132004); vaccines for this trial are provided by Sanofi-Aventis)


Author(s):  
Katie J. Suda ◽  
Gosia S. Clore ◽  
Charlesnika T. Evans ◽  
Heather Schacht Reisinger ◽  
Ibuola Kale ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: To assess the effectiveness and acceptability of antimicrobial stewardship-focused implementation strategies on inpatient fluoroquinolones. Methods: Stewardship champions at 15 hospitals were surveyed regarding the use and acceptability of strategies to improve fluoroquinolone prescribing. Antibiotic days of therapy (DOT) per 1,000 days present (DP) for sites with and without prospective audit and feedback (PAF) and/or prior approval were compared. Results: Among all of the sites, 60% had PAF or prior approval implemented for fluoroquinolones. Compared to sites using neither strategy (64.2 ± 34.4 DOT/DP), fluoroquinolone prescribing rates were lower for sites that employed PAF and/or prior approval (35.5 ± 9.8; P = .03) and decreased from 2017 to 2018 (P < .001). This decrease occurred without an increase in advanced-generation cephalosporins. Total antibiotic rates were 13% lower for sites with PAF and/or prior approval, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .20). Sites reporting that PAF and/or prior approval were “completely” accepted had lower fluoroquinolone rates than sites where it was “moderately” accepted (34.2 ± 5.7 vs 48.7 ± 4.5; P < .01). Sites reported that clinical pathways and/or local guidelines (93%), prior approval (93%), and order forms (80%) “would” or “may” be effective in improving fluoroquinolone use. Although most sites (73%) indicated that requiring infectious disease consults would or may be effective in improving fluoroquinolones, 87% perceived implementation to be difficult. Conclusions: PAF and prior approval implementation strategies focused on fluoroquinolones were associated with significantly lower fluoroquinolone prescribing rates and nonsignificant decreases in total antibiotic use, suggesting limited evidence for class substitution. The association of acceptability of strategies with lower rates highlights the importance of culture. These results may indicate increased acceptability of implementation strategies and/or sensitivity to FDA warnings.


Author(s):  
Isabelle Viel-Thériault ◽  
Amisha Agarwal ◽  
Erika Bariciak ◽  
Nicole Le Saux ◽  
Nisha Thampi

Objective Previous analyses of neonatal intensive care units (NICU) antimicrobial stewardship programs have identified key contributors to overall antibiotic use, including prolonged empiric therapy >48 hours for early-onset sepsis (EOS). However, most were performed in mixed NICU settings with onsite birthing units, resulting in a high proportion of inborn patient admissions. The study aimed to describe and analyze the most common reasons for antimicrobial use in an outborn tertiary care NICU. Study Design This was a 10-month review of all antimicrobial doses prescribed in a 20-bed level III NICU. The primary outcome was the total days of therapy (DOT) and length of therapy (LOT) for each clinical indication. Secondary outcomes included total DOT for each antimicrobial and appropriateness of antimicrobial courses. Results Of 235 antibiotic courses and 1,899 DOT (519 DOT/1,000 patient days) prescribed in 173 infants during the study period, the most common indications were suspected EOS, followed by prophylaxis. Among the 85 DOT/1,000 patient days (PD; 38 courses) prescribed for prophylaxis, 52.5 DOT/1,000 PD (25 courses; 62%) were for surgical prophylaxis. Of 17 postoperative antibiotic courses, 15 (88.2%) were deemed to be inappropriate mostly due to a duration greater than 24 hours postoperatively (n = 13; median LOT = 3 days). Conclusion Surgical prophylaxis is a common reason for antimicrobial misuse in outborn NICU. NICU-based prospective audit and feedback between neonatologists and antimicrobial stewardship teams alone may not be impactful in this setting. Partnerships with neonatologists and surgeons will be key to achieving the target of less than 24 hours of postoperative antimicrobials. Key Points


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. s15-s15
Author(s):  
Daniel Dodson ◽  
Matthew Kronman ◽  
Sarah Parker ◽  
Christopher Czaja

Background: Adherence to core elements of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) is increasing nationally but the robustness of programs and inclusion of pediatrics is poorly understood. We describe the details of ASP in Colorado hospitals and identify steps by which academic centers and public health departments can assist community ASPs. Methods: We invited ASP leaders at the 102 acute-care hospitals (ACHs) and critical-access hospitals (CAHs) in Colorado to participate in a web-based survey regarding their ASPs. Questions related to adherence to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) core elements, barriers to improvement, desired resources, and extension to pediatrics. Enrollment began in August 2020. Hospital types were compared using the Fisher exact test. Results: As of January 1, 2021, 31 hospitals (30% of targeted hospitals) completed the web-based survey including 19 ACH and 12 CAH. Hospitals were distributed across the state. Median number of beds was 52 (range, 11–680). Of the responding hospitals, 87% were adherent to all CDC core elements. However, if action was defined as prospective audit and feedback or prior authorization, tracking was defined as measuring antibiotic use in days of therapy (DOT) or defined daily dose (DDD) quarterly, and reporting was defined as providing unit- or provider-specific antibiotic use reports annually. Overall adherence fell to 35% including 81% for action, 58% for tracking, and 58% for reporting. CAHs were less likely to adhere to these strict criteria than ACHs (Figure 1). In the 27 hospitals (87% of hospitals) caring for pediatric patients, adherence to a strict action for at least 1 pediatric population was 59%. Reported barriers to improved ASP were available time and personnel, information technology support, perceived concerns about provider attitudes, and education gaps (Figure 2). CAHs were less likely to use the NHSN antibiotic use or resistance modules or have a data analyst than ACHs (Figure 3). Pediatric pharmacy expertise and guidelines were often not available in hospitals caring for pediatric patients. Desired ASP resources included assistance with data analysis, access to stewardship expertise and education, and treatment guidelines, including for pediatrics. Conclusions: Adherence to CDC core elements of an ASP was excellent but fell dramatically when stricter criteria were used and was worse in pediatric patients. Academic centers and public health departments can assist community hospitals by providing educational resources, assistance in analyzing data including using the NHSN ED: /AR modules, and ASP expertise and clinical care guidelines including those for pediatrics.Funding: NoDisclosures: None


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Makeda Semret ◽  
Workeabeba Abebe ◽  
Ling Yuan Kong ◽  
Tinsae Alemayehu ◽  
Temesgen Beyene ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hospital-associated infection (HAI) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are major health threats in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Because diagnostic capacity is lacking throughout most of Africa, patients are commonly managed with prolonged empirical antibiotic therapy. Our goal was to assess mortality in relation to HAI and empirical therapy in Ethiopia’s largest referral hospital. Methods Cohort study of patients with suspected HAI at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital from October 2016 to October 2018. Blood culture testing was performed on an automated platform. Primary outcomes were proportion of patients with bloodstream infection (BSI), antibiotic resistance patterns and 14 day mortality. We also assessed days of therapy (DOT) pre- and post-blood culture testing. Results Of 978 enrolled patients, 777 had blood culture testing; 237 (30%) had a BSI. Enterobacteriaceae were isolated in 49%; 81% of these were cephalosporin resistant and 23% were also carbapenem resistant. Mortality at 14 days was 31% and 21% in those with and without BSI, respectively. Ceftriaxone resistance was strongly correlated with mortality. Patients with BSI had longer DOT pre-blood culture testing compared with those without BSI (median DOT 12 versus 3 days, respectively, P &lt; 0.0001). After testing, DOT were comparable between the two groups (20 versus 18 days, respectively). Conclusions BSI are frequent and fatal among patients with suspected HAI in Ethiopia. Highly resistant blood isolates are alarmingly common. This study provides evidence that investing in systematic blood culture testing in LMICs identifies patients at highest risk of death and that empirical management is frequently inappropriate. Major investments in laboratory development are critical to achieve better outcomes.


2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (S3) ◽  
pp. S86-S95
Author(s):  
B. Ostrowsky ◽  
R. Ruiz ◽  
S. Brown ◽  
P. Chung ◽  
E. Koppelman ◽  
...  

Objective.To determine whether controlling the prescription of targeted antibiotics would translate to a measurable reduction in hospital-onset Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) rates.Design.A multicenter before-and-after intervention comparative study.Setting/Participants.Ten medical centers in the greater New York region. Intervention group comprised of 6 facilities with early antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). The 4 facilities without ASPs made up the nonintervention group.Interventions/Methods.Intervention facilities identified target antibiotics using case-control studies and implemented ASP-based strategies to control their use. Pre- and postintervention hospital-onset CDI rates and antibiotic consumption were compared for a 20-month period from June 2010 to January 2012. Antibiotic usage was compared using defined daily dose, days of therapy, and number of courses prescribed. Comparisons used bivariate and regression techniques.Results.Intervention facilities identified piperacillin/tazobactam, fluoroquinolones, or cefepime (odds ratio, 2.0-9.8 in CDI case patients compared with those without CDI) as intervention targets and selected several interventions (all included a component of audit and feedback). Varying degrees of success were observed in reducing antibiotic consumption over time. Total target antibiotic use significantly decreased (P < .05) when measured by days of therapy and number of courses but not by defined daily dose. Intravenous moxifloxacin and oral ciprofloxacin use showed significant reduction when measured by defined daily dose and days of therapy (P ≤ .01). Number of courses with all forms of these antibiotics was reduced (P ≤ .005). Intervention hospitals reported fewer hospital-onset CDI cases (2.8 rate point difference) compared with nonintervention hospitals; however, we were unable to show statistically significant decreases in aggregate hospital-onset CDI either between intervention and nonintervention groups or within the intervention group over time.Conclusions.Although decreases in target antibiotic consumption did not translate into reductions of hospital-onset CDI in this study, many valuable lessons (including implementation strategies and antibiotic consumption measures) were learned. The findings can inform potential policy decisions regarding incorporating control of CDI and ASP as healthcare quality measures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydia R Rahem ◽  
Bénédicte Franck ◽  
Hélène Roy ◽  
Denis Lebel ◽  
Philippe Ovetchkine ◽  
...  

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship is a standard practice in health facilities to reduce both the misuse of antimicrobials and the risk of resistance. Objective: To determine the profile of antimicrobial use in the pediatric population of a university hospital centre from 2015/16 to 2018/19. Methods: In this retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study, the pharmacy information system was used to determine the number of days of therapy (DOTs) and the defined daily dose (DDD) per 1000 patient-days (PDs) for each antimicrobial and for specified care units in each year of the study period. For each measure, the ratio of 2018/19 to 2015/16 values was also calculated (and expressed as a proportion); where the value of this proportion was ≤ 0.8 or ≥ 1.2 (indicating a substantial change over the study period), an explanatory rating was assigned by consensus. Results: Over the study period, 94 antimicrobial agents were available at the study hospital: 70 antibiotics (including antiparasitics and antituberculosis drugs), 14 antivirals, and 10 antifungals. The total number of DOTs per 1000 PDs declined from 904 in 2015/16 to 867 in 2018/19. The 5 most commonly used antimicrobials over the years, expressed as minimum/maximum DOTs per 1000 PDs, were piperacillin-tazobactam (78/105), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (74/84), ampicillin (51/69), vancomycin (53/68), and cefotaxime (55/58). In the same period, the care units with the most antimicrobial use (expressed as minimum/ maximum DOTs per 1000 PDs) were hematology-oncology (2529/2723), pediatrics (1006/1408), and pediatric intensive care (1328/1717). Conclusions: This study showed generally stable consumption of antimicrobials from 2015/16 to 2018/19 in a Canadian mother-and-child university hospital centre. Although consumption was also stable within drug groups (antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals), there were important changes over time for some individual drugs. Several factors may explain these variations, including disruptions in supply, changes in practice, and changes in the prevalence of infections. Surveillance of antimicrobial use is an essential component of an antimicrobial stewardship program. RÉSUMÉ Contexte : La gestion des antimicrobiens est une pratique courante dans les centres hospitaliers afin de réduire l’utilisation inappropriée des antimicrobiens et le risque de résistance. Objectif : Décrire l’évolution de l’utilisation des antimicrobiens dans un centre hospitalier universitaire de 2015-16 à 2018-19. Méthodes : Dans cette étude rétrospective, descriptive et transversale, les dossiers pharmacologiques ont servi à déterminer le nombre de jours de traitement (NJT) et la dose définie journalière (DDD) par 1000 jours-présence (JP) pour chaque antimicrobien et pour chaque unité de soins par année de l’étude. Pour chaque mesure, on a également comparé le ratio de 2018-19 à celui de 2015-16, qui est exprimé en proportion; lorsque la valeur de cette proportion était ≤ 0,8 ou ≥ 1,2, ce qui indiquait un changement important durant la période de l’étude, une note explicative a été attribuée par consensus. Résultats : Durant la période à l’étude, 94 antimicrobiens ont été disponibles dans notre centre : 70 antibiotiques (dont les antiparasitaires et les antituberculeux), 14 antiviraux et 10 antifongiques. Le nombre total de NJT par 1000 JP a diminué de 904 en 2015-16 à 867 en 2018-19. Les cinq antimicrobiens utilisés le plus fréquemment et présentés en minimum / maximum de NJT par 1000 JP étaient les suivants : piperacilline-tazobactam (78/105), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (74/84), ampicilline (51/69), vancomycine (53/68) et cefotaxime (55/58). Pendant la même période, les unités de soins qui faisaient la plus grande utilisation d’antimirobiens (exprimée en minimum / maximum de NJT par 1000 JP) étaient hématologie-oncologie (2529/2723), pédiatrie (1006/1408) et soins intensifs pédiatriques (1328/1717). Conclusions : Cette étude démontre une consommation stable d’antimicrobiens entre 2015-16 et 2018-19 dans un centre hospitalier universitaire mère-enfant canadien. Malgré le fait que la consommation entre les groupes d’antimicrobiens (antibiotiques, antiviraux, antifongiques) était stable, on a constaté d’importantes variations concernant certains médicaments individuels. Plusieurs facteurs peuvent expliquer cette variation, notamment des ruptures d’approvisionnement, des changements de pratique et des changements dans la prévalence d’infections. La surveillance de la consommation des antimicrobiens est une partie essentielle de tout programme d’antibiogouvernance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S219-S220
Author(s):  
Matthew B Goetz ◽  
Christopher J Graber ◽  
Makoto M Jones ◽  
Vanessa W Stevens ◽  
Peter A Glassman ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The VA initiated an antimicrobial stewardship program in 2011, which includes participation in the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Antimicrobial Use Option, educational webinars, training programs for antimicrobial stewards, required staffing & reporting, and quality improvement initiatives, that has led to ongoing decreases in antimicrobial therapy nationwide. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there are several factors that may contribute increases in antimicrobial use (increased presentations of lower respiratory tract infection, concern for bacterial co-infection with SARS-CoV-2, etc.). We sought to compare patterns of antibacterial use in the VA from January – May 2020 with corresponding time periods in prior years. Methods Data on antibacterial use from 2015 – 2020 were extracted from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse for acute inpatient care units in 84 VA facilities (facilities which provide limited acute inpatient services were excluded). To control for seasonal effects, only data from January to May for each year were included in the analysis. Days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 days-present (DP) were calculated and stratified by CDC-defined antibiotic classes. Results From 2015 – 2019, total antibiotic use from January to May decreased by a mean of 9.1 DOT/1000 DP per year. In contrast, from 2019 to 2020, antibiotic use over the same months increased by 26.4 DOT/1000 DP (Table). Increases were observed in all drug classes except for a decrease in narrow spectrum ß-lactam antibiotics. Total antibiotic DOT in 2020 increased by 27.9 and 7.3 DOT/1000 DP in facilities in the highest and lowest terciles of use in 2019 (Figure). Table – Trends in Yearly Antibiotic Use by CDC Drug Class, 2015 to 2019 versus 2019 to 2020 Figure – Facility Specific Total Antibiotic Use in 2019 and Change in Use from 2019 to 2020 Conclusion We observed a broad increase in antibacterial use during the initial surge of COVID-19 cases in VA facilities that abruptly reversed steady reductions in use over the prior 4 years. The degree to which this increase reflects potentially appropriate use in the setting of increased patient vulnerability and provider uncertainty, inappropriately decreased provider thresholds for initiating or continuing therapy, or stresses on the structure and staffing of antimicrobial stewardship programs requires further study. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e000695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Punith Kempegowda ◽  
Joht Singh Chandan ◽  
Benjamin Coombs ◽  
Anne De Bray ◽  
Nitish Jawahar ◽  
...  

ObjectivesWe postulate that performance feedback is a prerequisite to ensure sustained improvement in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) management.DesignThe study was based on ‘theory of change’ concept that suggests changes of primary drivers determine the main outcome. A set of secondary drivers can be implemented to achieve improvements in these primary drivers and thus the main outcome.SettingThis study was conducted at a large tertiary care center in the West Midlands, UK. The region has above average prevalence of diabetes and DKA admissions in the country.ParticipantsAll participants diagnosed with DKA as per national guidelines, except those managed in intensive care unit from April 2014 to March 2018, were included in this study.InterventionsMonthly feedback of performance was the main intervention. Development of a real-time live DKA audit tool, automatic referral system of DKA to the specialist team, electronic monitoring of blood gas measurements and education and redesigning of local (trust) guidelines were the other interventions in this study.Main outcome measuresTotal DKA duration, appropriateness of fixed rate intravenous insulin infusion, fluid prescription, glucose monitoring, ketone monitoring and referral to specialists.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in the duration of DKA postintervention compared with baseline results. However, in the absence of regular feedback, the duration of DKA showed an upward trend nearing baseline values. Similar trends were noted in secondary drivers influencing DKA duration.ConclusionBased on these results, we recommend regular audit and feedback is required to sustain improvements in DKA management.


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