scholarly journals Antimicrobial time-out for vancomycin by infectious disease physicians vs clinical pharmacists: a before-after crossover trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinya Hasegawa ◽  
Yasuaki Tagashira ◽  
Shutaro Murakami ◽  
Yasunori Urayama ◽  
Akane Takamatsu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
Clinical Pharmacist ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Clinical Pharmacists ◽  
Time Out ◽  
Days Of Therapy ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Critical Care Patients

Abstract Background The present study assessed the impact of time-out on vancomycin use and compared the strategy’s efficacy when led by pharmacists versus infectious disease (ID) physicians at a tertiary care center. Methods Time-out consisting of a telephone call to inpatient providers and documentation of vancomycin use > 72 hours was performed by ID physicians and clinical pharmacists in the Departments of Medicine and Surgery/Critical Care. Patients in the Department of Medicine were assigned to the ID physician-led arm, and patients in the Department of Surgery/Critical Care were assigned to the clinical pharmacist-led arm in the initial, six-month phase and were switched in the second, six-month phase. The primary outcome was the change in weekly days of therapy (DOT) per 1,000 patient-days (PD), and vancomycin use was compared using interrupted time-series analysis. Results Of 587 patients receiving vancomycin, 132 participated, with 79 and 53 enrolled in the first and second phases, respectively. Overall vancomycin use decreased although the difference was statistically non-significant (change in slope, −0.25 weekly DOT per 1,000 PD; 95% confidence interval, −0.68 to 0.18, p = 0.24). The weekly vancomycin DOT per 1,000 PD remained unchanged during phase 1 but decreased significantly in phase 2 (change in slope, −0.49; −0.84 to −0.14, p = 0.007). Antimicrobial use decreased significantly in the surgery/critical care patients in the pharmacist-led arm (change in slope, −0.77; −1.33 to −0.22, p = 0.007). Conclusions Vancomycin time-out was moderately effective, and clinical pharmacist-led time-out with surgery/critical care patients substantially reduced vancomycin use.

scholarly journals Cerebrospinal Fluid Pleocytosis in Critical Care Patients With Seizures

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 343-349
Author(s):  
Carly Scramstad ◽  
Alan C. Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Critical Care Units ◽  
Generalized Seizures ◽  
Csf Pleocytosis ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Critical Care Patients

AbstractObjectives: To assess the etiology of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis in critical care patients with seizure(s) or status epilepticus (SE). Many previous studies, some performed decades ago, concluded that CSF pleocytosis may be entirely attributable to seizure activity. Methods: We undertook a retrospective chart review of adult patients with an admitting or acquired diagnosis of seizure(s) or SE in critical care units at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre between 2009 and 2012. Patients were identified through a critical care information database at a tertiary care center. We limited our study to patients who had lumbar punctures at our center within 5 days of seizure(s) or SE. Results: Of 426 patients with seizures in critical care units, 51 met the inclusion criteria. Seizure subtypes included focal seizures (5 or 10%), generalized seizures (14 or 27%), and SE (32 or 63%). Twelve (seven with SE) of the 51 (24%) were found to have CSF pleocytosis. A probable etiological cause for the CSF pleocytosis was identified in all 12 cases. Conclusions: We conclude that seizures do not directly induce a CSF pleocytosis. Instead, the CSF pleocytosis more likely reflects the underlying acute or chronic brain process responsible for the seizure(s). This was not readily apparent in early studies without magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and currently available laboratory investigations. An etiological cause of CSF pleocytosis must always be sought when patients present with seizures and it should never be assumed that seizures are the cause.

scholarly journals Percutaneous Dilational Tracheostomy at the Epicenter of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Impact on Critical Care Resource Utilization and Early Outcomes

2021 ◽  
pp. 000313482110586
Author(s):  
Leandra Krowsoski ◽  
Benjamin D. Medina ◽  
Charles DiMaggio ◽  
Charles Hong ◽  
Samantha Moore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Bleeding Complications ◽  
Percutaneous Dilational Tracheostomy ◽  
Icu Discharge ◽  
Care Capacity ◽  
The Impact

Background The COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed New York City hospitals early in the pandemic. Shortages of ventilators and sedatives prompted tracheostomy earlier than recommended by professional societies. This study evaluates the impact of percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) in COVID+ patients on critical care capacity. Methods This is a single-institution prospective case series of mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients undergoing PDT from April 1 to June 4, 2020 at a public tertiary care center. Results Fifty-five patients met PDT criteria and underwent PDT at a median of 13 days (IQR 10, 18) from intubation. Patient characteristics are found in Table 1 . Intravenous midazolam, fentanyl, and cisatracurium equivalents were significantly reduced 48 hours post-PDT ( Table 2 ). Thirty-five patients were transferred from the ICU and liberated from the ventilator. Median time from PDT to ventilator liberation and ICU discharge was 10 (IQR 4, 14) and 12 (IQR 8, 17) days, respectively. Decannulation occurred in 45.5% and 52.7% were discharged from acute inpatient care ( Figure 1 ). Median follow-up for the study was 62 days. Four patients had bleeding complications postoperatively and 11 died during the study period. Older age was associated with increased odds of complication (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04, 1.23) and death (OR=1.15, 95% CI 1.05, 1.30). All operators tested negative for COVID-19 during the study period. Conclusion These findings suggest COVID-19 patients undergoing tracheostomy within the standard time frame can improve critical care capacity in areas strained by the pandemic with low risk to operators. Long-term outcomes after PDT deserve further study.

scholarly journals Impact of Rapid PCR Influenza Testing on the Rate of Inpatient Admissions During Influenza Season at a Tertiary-Care Center

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s263-s264
Author(s):  
Jordan Polistico ◽  
Avnish Sandhu ◽  
Teena Chopra ◽  
Erin Goldman ◽  
Jennifer LeRose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Season ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care Center ◽  
Pediatric Hospital ◽  
Rapid Pcr ◽  
The Impact

Background: Influenza causes a high burden of disease in the United States, with an estimate of 960,000 hospitalizations in the 2017–2018 flu season. Traditional flu diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests have a longer (24 hours or more) turnaround time that may lead to an increase in unnecessary inpatient admissions during peak influenza season. A new point-of-care rapid PCR assays, Xpert Flu, is an FDA-approved PCR test that has a significant decrease in turnaround time (2 hours). The present study sought to understand the impact of implementing a new Xpert Flu test on the rate of inpatient admissions. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to compare rates of inpatient admissions in patients tested with traditional flu PCR during the 2017–2018 flu season and the rapid flu PCR during the 2018–2019 flu season in a tertiary-care center in greater Detroit area. The center has 1 pediatric hospital (hospital A) and 3 adult hospitals (hospital B, C, D). Patients with influenza-like illness who presented to all 4 hospitals during 2 consecutive influenza seasons were analyzed. Results: In total, 20,923 patients were tested with either the rapid flu PCR or the traditional flu PCR. Among these, 14,124 patients (67.2%) were discharged from the emergency department and 6,844 (32.7%) were admitted. There was a significant decrease in inpatient admissions in the traditional flu PCR group compared to the rapid flu PCR group across all hospitals (49.56% vs 26.6% respectively; P < .001). As expected, a significant proportion of influenza testing was performed in the pediatric hospital, 10,513 (50.2%). A greater reduction (30% decrease in the rapid flu PCR group compared to the traditional flu PCR group) was observed in inpatient admissions in the pediatric hospital (Table 1) Conclusions: Rapid molecular influenza testing can significantly decrease inpatient admissions in a busy tertiary-care hospital, which can indirectly lead to improved patient quality with easy bed availability and less time spent in a private room with droplet precautions. Last but not the least, this testing method can certainly lead to lower healthcare costs.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

scholarly journals Paradigm Shift in Clinical Practice of Sexual Health in Men During COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 263183182110323
Author(s):  
Aditya Prakash Sharma ◽  
Japleen Kaur ◽  
Ravimohan S. Mavuduru ◽  
Shrawan K. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Surgical Procedures ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Health Care Seeking ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact

Sexual health-care seeking behavior and practices have been affected during COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 on this subspecialty is far reaching. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on health-care seeking practice pertaining to sexual health in men in our tertiary care center and review the relevant literature regarding impact of COVID-19 on sexual health seeking practice and challenges faced. Outpatient data was analyzed from January 2019 to April 2021. Patients awaiting surgical procedures due to COVID were documented. A narrative synthesis of literature based on systematic search using the keywords sexual health, sexual health seeking, sexual health practice, andrology, and COVID with operators “AND” and “OR” was carried out in three search engines PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. The study outcomes were obtained by comparing data of outpatient attendance and compiling the reviewed literature. The mean attendance fell significantly from 95.11±11.17 to 17.25±13.70 persons (P <.0001) per outpatient clinic, March 2020 being the reference point. Teleconsultation has taken over physical consultation. In 98/949 cases, teleconsult could not be provided despite registration. Over 25 patients were waiting for surgical procedures pertaining to andrology due to shut down of elective services. Similar trends have been reported from other countries. Number of patients seeking consultation for sexual health problems has dramatically decreased during COVID-19 era. Establishment of data safe teleconsultation facility and its widespread advertisement is needed to encourage patients to seek consult.

Reduced Socioeconomic Disparities in Cleft Care After Implementing a Cleft Nurse Navigator Program

2021 ◽  
pp. 105566562110056
Author(s):  
Connor Wagner ◽  
Carrie E. Zimmerman ◽  
Carlos Barrero ◽  
Christopher L. Kalmar ◽  
Paris Butler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cleft Palate ◽  
Cleft Lip ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Multidisciplinary Care ◽  
Socioeconomic Disparities ◽  
Outpatient Appointment ◽  
Nurse Navigator ◽  
Insured Patients ◽  
The Impact

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a Cleft Nurse Navigator (CNN) program on care for patients with cleft lip and cleft palate and assess the programs efficacy to reduce existing socioeconomic disparities in care. Design: Retrospective review and outcomes analysis (n = 739). Setting: Academic tertiary care center. Patients: All patients presenting with cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) born between May 2009 and November 2019 with exclusions for atypical clefts, submucous cleft palates, international adoption, and very late presentation (after 250 days of life). Interventions: Multidisciplinary care coordination program facilitated by the CNN. Main Outcome Measures: Patient age at first outpatient appointment and age at surgery, reported feeding issues, weight gain, and patient-cleft team communications. Results: After CNN implementation, median age at outpatient appointment decreased from 20 to 16 days ( P = .021), volume of patient-cleft team communications increased from 1.5 to 2.8 ( P < .001), and frequency of reported feeding concerns decreased (50% to 35%; P < .001). In the pre-CNN cohort, nonwhite and publicly insured patients experienced delays in first outpatient appointment ( P < .001), cleft lip repair ( P < .011), and cleft palate repair ( P < .019) compared to white and privately insured patients, respectively. In the post-CNN cohort, there were no significant differences in first appointment timing by race nor surgical timing on the basis of racial identity nor insurance type. Conclusions: A variety of factors lead to delays in cleft care for marginalized patient populations. These findings suggest that a CNN can reduce disparities of access and communication and improve early feeding in at-risk cohorts.

Abstract 14747: Dwindling Trends of Cardiology Admissions Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Center of Pakistan

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamshed Ali ◽  
Osman Faheem ◽  
Pirbhat Shams ◽  
ghufran adnan ◽  
Maria Khan
Keyword(s):  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Electronic Record ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Record System ◽  
Admission Rates ◽  
Cardiovascular Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Social containment measures have been adopted globally to control COVID-19 outbreak. Reduction in hospital visits and inpatient admission rates have become cause for concern. Through this study we aimed to analyze the impact of SARS-CoV-2 virus Outbreak on cardiology inpatient admissions at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Hypothesis: COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant decline in cardiology admissions. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study at our center. Admission log was accessed via electronic record system. Comparison was made for same months of 2019 and 2020 with regard to cardiology inpatient admissions. Results: A total of 239 patients were admitted to cardiology services in 2019 period and 106 in 2020 period with resultant reduction of 55.6%. Number of patients admitted to the coronary care unit were 179 and 78 respectively where as the numbers declined to 28 from 60 for cardiac step down. Reduction for admission numbered to 52.4% for males and 38.89% for females. 9.3% patients left against medical advice in 2019 and 3.4% in 2020. Conclusions: Our study concludes that numbers of cardiology admissions have dwindled. Possible explanation for this can be implementation of social containment and fear of acquiring infection. This has raised a question of whether a significant number of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has occurred without seeking medical attention and has went unrecorded during the pandemic. This calls for stringent diagnostic measures in future to diagnose previously unrecorded burden.

Defining the role of the pediatric critical care nurse practitioner in a tertiary care center

2000 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 2626-2630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shari L. Derengowski ◽  
Sharon Y. Irving ◽  
Pamela V. Koogle ◽  
Robert M. Englander
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Nurse Practitioner ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Tertiary Care Center ◽  
Pediatric Critical Care ◽  
Care Nurse ◽  
Critical Care Nurse

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
Keyword(s):  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Empirical Therapy ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Audit And Feedback ◽  
Antimicrobial Use ◽  
Defined Daily Dose ◽  
Survey Form ◽  
Specimen Collection ◽  
Days Of Therapy

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

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