scholarly journals 134. Impact of an Antibiotic Stewardship Treatment and Management Algorithm for Liver Abscesses

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S179-S180
Author(s):  
Hunter Vanderburg ◽  
Jacqueline Meredith ◽  
Rupal K Jaffa ◽  
Cesar Aviles ◽  
Benjamin M Motz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Failure ◽  
Antibiotic Stewardship ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Beta Lactam ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Duration Of Therapy ◽  
Management Algorithm ◽  
Liver Abscesses ◽  
Post Intervention Group

Abstract Background Antibiotic prescribing for pyogenic liver abscess(es) (PLA) is highly variable with literature primarily aimed at assessing surgical intervention with a scarcity of data for antibiotic selection and duration of therapy. Given the lack of data, there is no clear consensus for treatment options or length of treatment. Our Antimicrobial Support Network (ASN) in collaboration with the hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) team created a treatment and management algorithm to guide duration of therapy and antibiotic selection. Methods A retrospective, quasi-experimental cohort study was performed at Carolinas Medical Center in hospitalized patients with PLA with an HPB and/or infectious diseases consult. The primary outcome was antipseudomonal beta-lactam days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 patient days (PD) in the pre-versus post-intervention group. Secondary outcomes included rates of treatment failure at 90 days, 90-day all-cause and abscess-related hospital readmission, C. difficile and multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO) colonization at 90 days from diagnosis, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Additional a priori subgroup analyses of duration of therapy, treatment failure, all-cause and abscess-related readmissions were also conducted based on surgical intervention. Results A total of 93 patients were included, 49 patients in the pre-intervention group and 44 patients in the post-intervention group. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The majority of liver abscesses were unilocular and monomicrobial. Anti-pseudomonal beta-lactam DOT per 1000 PD decreased by 13.8% (507.4 versus 437.5 DOT/1000 PD). Treatment failure occurred in 30.6% of pre-intervention patients and 18.2% of post-intervention patients (p = 0.165). Patients in the post-intervention group were discharged a median of 2.4 days sooner than the pre-intervention period (12.2 days vs. 9.8 days, p = 0.159). No significant differences resulted in 90-day readmission rates or 90-day C. difficile or MDRO rates. Table 1. Primary Outcome for Patients with Pyogenic Liver Abscesses Treated Pre- and Post-Antibiotic Stewardship Algorithm Table 2. Secondary Outcomes for Patients with Pyogenic Liver Abscesses Treated Pre- and Post-Antibiotic Stewardship Algorithm Conclusion The implementation of a PLA treatment and management algorithm led to a decrease in anti-pseudomonal beta-lactams without impacting clinical outcomes and a trend towards decreased LOS. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals 98. Antibiotic Stewardship Interventions Significantly Improve Preferred Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Total Joint Arthroplasty

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S179-S179
Author(s):  
Katelyn Quartuccio ◽  
Raquel Roberts ◽  
Kelly E Pillinger ◽  
Eric Heintz ◽  
Jessica Stern ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Joint Arthroplasty ◽  
Antibiotic Stewardship ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Joint Arthroplasty ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Risks Factors ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Orthopedic Patients ◽  
Post Intervention Group

Abstract Background Most patients reporting a penicillin (PCN) allergy can tolerate cefazolin, the preferred prophylaxis in a total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate surgical prophylaxis in patients with a reported PCN allergy undergoing a TJA following a stewardship intervention that included updates to institutional guidelines, reclassification of severe PCN allergy, standardization of ordering processes, and participation of a physician champion. Methods This was a single center, retrospective study of adult orthopedic patients greater than 18 years old who underwent a primary elective TJA at a 261-bed community hospital from March 1, 2017 to August 30, 2017 (pre-intervention) and from March 1, 2019 to August 30, 2019 (post-intervention). The primary outcome was the difference in the composite rate of the following: 1) Patients with a reported non-severe PCN allergy without MRSA risk factors who received cefazolin; 2) Patients with a non-severe PCN allergy with MRSA risks factors who received cefazolin plus vancomycin; and 3) Patients with a severe PCN allergy who received vancomycin prior to a primary elective TJA. Results A total of 180 patients with a documented PCN allergy were evaluated (90 patients in the pre-intervention group and 90 patients in the post-intervention group). Rash and hives were the most commonly reported allergies in both groups (71% vs 61%, P=0.2076). Post-intervention revealed a significant increase in the primary outcome of appropriate perioperative antibiotic (55% vs 91%, P< 0.001), largely driven by patients with non-severe allergy [47% (36/76) vs 96% (73/76), P< 0.001]. No patients had signs of an allergic reaction thought to be due to cefazolin, including 8 patients with severe PCN allergy. No patients in either group developed a surgical site infection or C. difficile infection within 90 days post-procedure. Conclusion A multifaceted antibiotic stewardship intervention increased preferred prophylaxis in elective primary TJA. Patients with non-severe PCN allergies, even those reporting hives or local swelling, can tolerate cefazolin without issue. Patients with severe PCN allergy should undergo further evaluation as cefazolin may be a safe option. Disclosures Katelyn Quartuccio, PharmD, BCPS, AstraZeneca (Consultant) Kelly E. Pillinger, PharmD, BCIDP, Pharmacy Times (Other Financial or Material Support, Speaker)

scholarly journals An Evaluation of Pharmacist-Led Interventions for Inpatient HIV-Related Medication Errors

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 235-242
Author(s):  
Mary Joyce B. Wingler ◽  
Kayla R. Stover ◽  
Katie E. Barber ◽  
Jamie L. Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Medication Errors ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Audit And Feedback ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Prospective Audit ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Prospective Audit And Feedback ◽  
Post Intervention Group

Background: Inpatient HIV-related medication errors occur in up to 86% of patients. Objective: To evaluate the number of antiretroviral therapy (ART)- and opportunistic infection (OI)-related medication errors following the implementation of pharmacist-directed interventions. Methods: This quasi-experiment assessed adult patients with HIV who received ART, OI prophylaxis, or both from December 1, 2014, to February 28, 2017 (pre-intervention) or December 1, 2017, to February 28, 2018 (post-intervention). Pre-intervention patients were assessed retrospectively; verbal and written education were provided (intervention); prospective audit and feedback was conducted for post-intervention patients. The primary outcome was rate of ART errors between groups. Secondary outcomes included rate of OI errors, time to resolution of ART and OI errors, types of errors, and rate of recommendation acceptance. Results: Sixty-seven patients were included in each group. ART errors occurred in 44.8% and 32.8% ( P = .156), respectively. OI prophylaxis errors occurred in 11.9% versus 9% ( P = .572), respectively. Medication omission decreased significantly in the post-intervention group (31.3% vs 11.9%; P = .006). Pharmacist-based interventions increased in the post-intervention group (6.3% vs 52.9%; P = .001). No statistical difference was found in time to error resolution (72 vs 48 hours; P = .123), but errors resolved during admission significantly increased (50% vs 86.8%; P < .001). No difference was found in rate of intervention acceptance (100% vs 97%). Conclusion and Relevance: ART and OI prophylaxis errors resolved a day faster in the pharmacist-led, post-intervention period, and there was a trend toward error reduction. Future interventions should target prescribing errors on admission using follow-up education and evaluation of medication reconciliation practices in HIV-infected patients.

The DOOR to Antibiotic Stewardship: Refining Assessments of Interventions With Desirability of Outcome Ranking

2021 ◽  
pp. 089719002098713
Author(s):  
Steven M. Smoke ◽  
Vishal V. Patel ◽  
Nicole I. Leonida
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽  
Antibiotic Stewardship ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Appropriate Therapy ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Post Intervention Group

Background: Limited sample size and disparate outcome measures can hinder the ability of antimicrobial stewardship programs to assess the utility of their quality improvement interventions. Desirability of outcome ranking (DOOR) is a novel methodology that incorporates multiple outcomes into a single value to more comprehensively compare therapeutic strategies. The objective of this study was to apply DOOR to a single center antibiotic stewardship intervention. Methods: A pre- and post-interventional study was conducted evaluating the impact of prospective pharmacist review of rapid molecular diagnostic testing (RDT) of blood cultures on antibiotic optimization. Outcomes included the percentage of patients who were switched to appropriate therapy, the time to appropriate therapy, and the percentage of patients who had missed de-escalation opportunities. Results: A total of 19 and 29 patients were included in the final analysis. The percentage of patients reaching appropriate therapy was 84% (16/19) and 97% ([28/29], p = 0.16) in the pre-intervention and post-intervention groups respectively. Median time to appropriate therapy was 26 hours and 36 minutes (IQR 13:05-50:45) and 22:40 (IQR 3:42-48:23, p = 0.32), respectively. One missed de-escalation opportunity was identified in the post-intervention group (0% vs 3%, p = 1.00). DOOR analysis indicated that the probability of a better outcome for the post-intervention group than the pre-intervention group was 58% (95% CI 54-62). Conclusion: In this analysis, DOOR revealed a benefit that would not have been apparent with traditional outcomes assessments. Antimicrobial stewardship programs conducting quality improvement studies should consider incorporating DOOR into their methodology.

The impact of an automated antibiotic stewardship intervention for the management of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia utilizing the electronic health record

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 1054-1060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy L Brotherton ◽  
Saira Rab ◽  
Sheetal Kandiah ◽  
Jane Kriengkauykiat ◽  
Jordan R Wong
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Electronic Health Record ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Antibiotic Stewardship ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Health Record ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Post Intervention Group ◽  
Order Set

Abstract Background Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) management bundles have been shown to improve performance measures and clinical outcomes. SAB bundles often require direct intervention by infectious diseases (ID) physicians or antibiotic stewardship programme (ASP) members or pharmacists. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an automated, real-time ASP intervention utilizing clinical decision support (CDS) in the electronic health record (EHR) for the management of SAB. Methods A retrospective, single-centre quasi-experimental study of hospitalized patients with known SAB was conducted. The intervention was the implementation of a hard-stop best practice advisory (BPA) alert that would prompt physicians to use an electronic order set, on identification of SAB, with management recommendations, including ID consultation. The primary outcome was overall adherence to six institutional ASP SAB bundle elements. Secondary outcomes included both clinical and process outcomes. Results A total of 227 patients were included, 111 in the pre-intervention and 116 in the post-intervention period. Completion of all six bundle elements improved by 27.2% in the post-intervention group (29.7% versus 56.9%, P &lt; 0.001). BPA activation and order-set utilization occurred in 95.7% and 57.8% in the post-intervention group, respectively. Composite outcome of 30 day mortality or 90 day readmission with SAB complication decreased in the post-intervention group by 9.6% (24.3% versus 14.7%, P = 0.092). Conclusions Optimization of CDS within the EHR, using real-time BPA alert and order set, demonstrated an immediate, sustainable intervention that improved adherence to institutional performance measures for SAB management without direct prospective audit with intervention and feedback.

The Impact of a New Best Practice Advisory on the Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diala Alawneh ◽  
Moustafa Younis ◽  
Majdi S. Hamarshi
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Ketoacidosis ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Management Algorithm ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Practice Advisory ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Post Intervention Group

Background: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) hospitalization rates have been steadily increasing. Due to the increasing incidence and the economic impact associated with its morbidity and treatment, effective management is key. We aimed to streamline the management of DKA in our intensive care units (ICU) by implementing a Best-Practice Advisory (BPA) that notifies providers when DKA has resolved. Methods: A BPA was implemented on 9/15/2018. We conducted a retrospective review of patients admitted to the ICU with DKA a year before and after 9/15/2018. Adults (≥18 age) meeting DKA criteria on admission and treated with continuous insulin infusion (CII) were included. Pre-intervention group included patients admitted before BPA implementation and post-intervention group included patients admitted after. Summary and univariate analyses were performed. Results: A total of 282 patients were included; 162 (57%) pre-intervention and 120 (43%) post-intervention. Mean (±SD) age was 44 (±17) years. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics such as age, sex, race, BMI, HbA1c, initial blood glucose, anion gap or bicarbonate concentration between both groups (p>0.05). Mean (±SD) total time on CII in hours was significantly lower in the post-intervention group 14.8 (±7.7) vs 17.5 (±14.3) p=0.041, 95% CI: 0.11-5.3. The incidence of hypoglycemia was lower in the post-intervention group n=4 (3%) vs 17 (10%), p=0.024. There was no significant difference in hypokalemia, mortality, LOS or ICU stay between both groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: The BPA introduced in our DKA management algorithm successfully reduced total time on insulin and the incidence of hypoglycemia.

scholarly journals 87. Utilization of Methicillin-Sensitive/Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nares Screen to Decrease Vancomycin and Linezolid Use in Hospitalized Patients with Respiratory Infections

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S60-S60
Author(s):  
Noor F Zaidan ◽  
Rachel S Britt ◽  
David Reynoso ◽  
R Scott Ferren
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Gram Positive ◽  
Stewardship Program ◽  
Screening Protocol ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Post Intervention Group

Abstract Background Pharmacist-driven protocols for utilization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nares screenings have shown to decrease duration of empiric gram-positive therapy and rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with respiratory infections. This study evaluated the impact of a pharmacist-driven MRSA nares screening protocol on duration of vancomycin or linezolid therapy (DT) in respiratory infections. Methods Patients aged 18 years and older with a medication order of vancomycin or linezolid for respiratory indication(s) were included. The MRSA nares screening protocol went into effect in October 2019. The protocol allowed pharmacists to order an MRSA nares polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for included patients, while the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) made therapeutic recommendations for de-escalation of empiric gram-positive coverage based on negative MRSA nares screenings, if clinically appropriate. Data for the pre-intervention group was collected retrospectively for the months of October 2018 to March 2019. The post-intervention group data was collected prospectively for the months of October 2019 to March 2020. Results Ninety-seven patients were evaluated within both the pre-intervention group (n = 50) and post-intervention group (n = 57). Outcomes for DT (38.2 hours vs. 30.9 hours, P = 0.601) and AKI (20% vs. 14%, P = 0.4105) were not different before and after protocol implementation. A subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in DT within the pre- and post-MRSA PCR groups (38.2 hours vs. 24.8 hours, P = 0.0065) when pharmacist recommendations for de-escalation were accepted. Conclusion A pharmacist-driven MRSA nares screening protocol did not affect the duration of gram-positive therapy for respiratory indications. However, there was a reduction in DT when pharmacist-driven recommendations were accepted. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals 110. Impact of Diagnostic and Antimicrobial Stewardship on Time-to-Appropriate Therapy and Clinical Outcomes in Multi-Drug Resistant Pseudomonas Infections

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S69-S70
Author(s):  
Katie A McCrink ◽  
Kailynn DeRonde ◽  
Adriana Jimenez ◽  
Gemma Rosello ◽  
Yoichiro Natori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽  
Patient Survival ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Culture Collection ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Appropriate Therapy ◽  
Post Intervention Group

Abstract Background Timely effective therapy in multi-drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas (PsA) infections has a direct impact on patient survival. We aimed to determine the impact of diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) on time-to-appropriate therapy (TAP) and clinical outcomes of patients with MDR PsA infections utilizing novel beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors (BL/BLIs). Methods Retrospective cohort study of adult patients with MDR PsA infections at a 1,500-bed University-affiliated public hospital in Miami, Florida who received ≥72 hours of ceftazidime-avibactam (C/A) or ceftolozane-tazobactam (C/T). During the pre-intervention period (12/2017-12/2018), additional susceptibilities for C/A and C/T were performed upon providers’ request. In the post intervention period (01/2019 – 12/2019), we implemented automatic reflex algorithms (Figure 1) for faster identification and susceptibilities for MDR PsA, including carbapenemase producers. Results were communicated in real-time to the AMS team. Figure 1. Reflex Testing Algorithm for MDR Pseudomonas Isolates from Any Source Results Seventy-six patients were included; median age was 56 years (IQR 37.5–67.0), 40 (52.6%) were in an intensive care unit at time of culture collection; median APACHE II score was 20 (IQR 15.0 – 26.0). Three isolates were carbapenemase producers (VIM = 2; KPC = 1). The most common infections were pneumonia (56.6%) and bacteremia (18.4%). We found a significant decrease in median TAP (120.1 [IQR 82.5–164.6] vs 75.9 [IQR 51.3–101.7] hours, p = 0.003). Median time from culture collection to final susceptibility results was shorter in the post-intervention group (122.2 vs 90.5 hours; p &lt; 0.001). Median length-of-stay after culture collection was numerically lower in the post-intervention group (26.0 [11.6–59.4] vs 19.7 [12.9–37.8] days; p = 0.33). Controlling for ICU admission, our intervention was not associated with decreased 30-day inpatient mortality (OR = 1.62, 95% CI 0.45–5.79). Conclusion Our study identified an improvement in TAP in MDR PsA infections with implementation of diagnostic and AMS initiatives. In an adequately powered study, our intervention could potentially impact patient survival through timely initiation of effective therapy with novel BL/BLIs. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Implementation of an Emergency Department Sepsis Bundle and System Redesign: A Process Improvement Initiative

CJEM ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara McColl ◽  
Mathieu Gatien ◽  
Lisa Calder ◽  
Krishan Yadav ◽  
Ryan Tam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Critical Conditions ◽  
Absolute Difference ◽  
Antibiotic Administration ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Sepsis Management ◽  
Sepsis Bundle ◽  
Post Intervention Group

AbstractBackgroundIn 2008–2009, the Canadian Institute for Health Information reported over 30,000 cases of sepsis hospitalizations in Canada, an increase of almost 4,000 from 2005. Mortality rates from severe sepsis and septic shock continue to remain greater than 30% in Canada and are significantly higher than other critical conditions treated in the emergency department (ED). Our group formed a multidisciplinary sepsis committee, conducted an ED process of care analysis, and developed a quality improvement protocol. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of this sepsis management bundle on patient mortality.MethodsThis before and after study was conducted in two large Canadian tertiary care EDs and included adult patients with suspected severe infection that met at least two systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria. We studied the implementation of a sepsis bundle including triage flagging, RN medical directive, education campaign, and a modified sepsis protocol. The primary outcomes were 30-day all-cause mortality and sepsis protocol use.ResultsWe included a total of 167 and 185 patients in the pre- and post-intervention analysis, respectively. Compared to the pre-intervention group, mortality was significantly lower in the post-intervention group (30.7% versus 17.3%; absolute difference, 13.4%; 95% CI 9.8–17.0; p=0.006). There was also a higher rate of sepsis protocol use in the post-intervention group (20.3% versus 80.5%, absolute difference 60.2%; 95% CI 55.1–65.3; p<0.001). Additionally, we found shorter time-intervals from triage to MD assessment, fluid resuscitation, and antibiotic administration as well as lower rates of vasopressor requirements and ICU admission.InterpretationThe implementation of our multidisciplinary ED sepsis bundle, including improved early identification and protocolized medical care, was associated with improved time to achieve key therapeutic interventions and a reduction in 30-day mortality. Similar low-cost initiatives could be implemented in other EDs to potentially improve outcomes for this high-risk group of patients.

scholarly journals 1774. Impact of a Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay on the Clinical Management of Adults Undergoing a Lumbar Puncture for Suspected Community-Onset Central Nervous System Infections

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S654-S654
Author(s):  
Matthew Moffa ◽  
Rawiya Elrufay ◽  
Thomas L Walsh ◽  
Dustin R Carr ◽  
Nathan Shively ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Cns Infection ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Multiplex Pcr Assay ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Post Intervention Group

Abstract Background Patients admitted from the community with a suspected central nervous system (CNS) infection require prompt antimicrobial treatment and diagnostic evaluation. Our health network recently implemented a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in-house. Methods This was a pre-/post-intervention study evaluating the impact that a multiplex PCR assay had on the clinical management of patients ≥18 years of age admitted from the community with a lumbar puncture (LP) performed for a suspected CNS infection. The primary outcome was Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) PCR turnaround time (TAT). Secondary outcomes included inpatient length of stay (LOS), total antimicrobial days of therapy (DOT), and antiviral DOT. Patients were excluded if an LP was performed after hospital day 3, if they were on a systemic antimicrobial for a non-CNS indication, if they were a neurosurgical patient, and if they had a fungal CNS infection. Results The pre- and post-intervention groups each had 57 patients. The average age was 51 and 52 years in the pre- and post-intervention groups, respectively. Four patients (7%) in the pre-intervention group were immunocompromised, compared with 9 (16%) in the post-intervention group. Four patients in the pre-intervention group had a positive PCR assay for either HSV or Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), compared with 5 patients in the post-intervention group. Neither group had a positive cerebrospinal fluid culture, bacterial antigen assay, or bacterial PCR assay. The median (IQR) HSV PCR TAT was significantly longer in the pre-intervention group, 85 (78, 96) vs. 3.9 hours (2.9, 4.7), P < 0.001. The mean LOS was numerically greater in the pre-intervention arm (7 vs. 4.7 days, P = 0.069), as were the total antimicrobial DOT (9 vs. 7.4 days, P = 0.279) and antiviral DOT (3.9 vs. 2.7 days, P = 0.136). Pre-intervention antiviral DOT was significantly greater (3.1 vs. 1.6 days, P = 0.011) in patients without a positive HSV or VZV PCR. Conclusion Implementing a multiplex PCR assay for adults undergoing an LP for a suspected CNS infection significantly reduced the HSV PCR turnaround time. Antiviral DOT was significantly shorter in patients with a negative PCR result post-intervention. We also found a non-significant reduction in LOS, total antimicrobial DOT, and antiviral DOT. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Assessment of Direct Oral Anticoagulant Prescribing and Monitoring Pre- and Post-Implementation of a Pharmacy Protocol at a Community Teaching Hospital

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Miele ◽  
Mary Taylor ◽  
Aditi Shah
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Vitamin K Antagonists ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Appropriate Prescribing ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Post Intervention Group ◽  
Community Teaching

Background Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have become popular alternatives to vitamin K antagonists for the treatment and prevention of thromboembolic diseases; however, there are limited data regarding the appropriate use of DOACs in clinical practice. To ensure safety and efficacy of these medications, it is important that decisions regarding their use in patients rely on the available evidence. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of DOAC prescribing in adult patients before and after the implementation of a pharmacist-driven DOAC protocol. Methods Data were collected on adult patients admitted to a community teaching hospital who received DOAC therapy for at least 2 days between January and March 2015 (pre-intervention group) and between January and March 2016 (post-intervention group). These data were analyzed to measure inappropriately prescribed DOACs, defined based on DOAC indication, renal function, drug interactions, and other pertinent patient-specific factors. Prior to the start of data collection for the post-intervention group, a pharmacist-driven protocol was developed and implemented. DOAC education was provided to pharmacists, including an evidence-based prescribing table to guide appropriate DOAC therapy. Comparisons were made between the pre-intervention and post-intervention groups to determine the impact of the pharmacist-driven service on appropriate DOAC prescribing. Results Fifty patients were analyzed in the pre-intervention group compared with 85 patients in the post-intervention group, with a total of 333 and 816 doses administered, respectively. Of the total doses administered, 32.4% were considered inappropriate in the pre-intervention group compared with 13.8% in the post-intervention group (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.42, 95% CI, 0.19-0.96; p = 0.039). Conclusions Implementing a pharmacist-driven DOAC service significantly improved appropriate prescribing of these agents. Provider education regarding DOAC use is essential to further increase appropriate prescribing of DOACs, optimize patients' therapy, and prevent adverse drug events.

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