scholarly journals Urgent, Comprehensive Federal Action Needed To Stem Mortality and Medicare Costs Associated With Antimicrobial Resistance

Author(s):  
Vance G Fowler ◽  
Amanda Jezek ◽  
Emily S Spivak ◽  
Kathy Talkington

Abstract This paper is a call to action for the policies necessary to reduce the burden of antimicrobial resistance, including federal investments in antibiotic stewardship, antibiotic innovation, surveillance, research, diagnostics, infection prevention, the infectious diseases workforce, and global coordination.

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S591-S591
Author(s):  
Mayar Al Mohajer ◽  
Takei Pipkins ◽  
Robert Atmar ◽  
Maria Rodriguez- Barradas ◽  
Edward Young ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship are critical to the safe and effective delivery of patient care. The primary objective of this fellowship rotation is to train infectious diseases fellows to develop key competencies in the fields of infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship. Methods We implemented an infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship rotation for the first-year infectious disease fellows starting July 2017. This new one-month rotation included several lectures by infectious diseases physicians, infection preventionists and pharmacists. Fellows rounded with infection preventionists (isolation, device, environmental, and endoscopy rounds) and participated in infection control subcommittees (CLABSI, CAUTI, Clostridioides difficile colitis and surgical site infections). Fellows were required to present infection control data and develop a proposal for a quality improvement project using the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC) method. Knowledge was evaluated through a 25 item questionnaire administered before (pre) and after (post) rotation. Topics included definitions, surveillance, isolation, preventive methods, outbreak investigation, policies, antibiotic stewardship, healthcare economics, and leadership. Results Sixteen fellows have participated in the rotation (2017-2019); all completed the pre- and post- evaluations (same questionnaire). Fellows answered a mean of 11.1/25 questions correctly pre-course (SD 2.3). Scores improved significantly to a mean of 21.2/25 correct answers at the end of the course (SD 2.6, P< 0.001). All fellows presented quality improvement proposals at the end of the rotation, with a mean score of 85.7% (SD 4.6). The fellows were highly satisfied with the course with mean evaluation score 6.2/7 (88.5%). Conclusion The one month duration infection control and antibiotic stewardship rotation that provides basic training in the field at the beginning of the fellowship led to significant improvement in the fellows’ knowledge, and was very well received. An additional track has been implemented during the second year to prepare interested fellows for careers in infection control and/or antibiotic stewardship. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 456
Author(s):  
Kittiya Jantarathaneewat ◽  
Anucha Apisarnthanarak ◽  
Wasithep Limvorapitak ◽  
David J. Weber ◽  
Preecha Montakantikul

The antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) is a necessary part of febrile neutropenia (FN) treatment. Pharmacist-driven ASP is one of the meaningful approaches to improve the appropriateness of antibiotic usage. Our study aimed to determine role of the pharmacist in ASPs for FN patients. We prospectively studied at Thammasat University Hospital between August 2019 and April 2020. Our primary outcome was to compare the appropriate use of target antibiotics between the pharmacist-driven ASP group and the control group. The results showed 90 FN events in 66 patients. The choice of an appropriate antibiotic was significantly higher in the pharmacist-driven ASP group than the control group (88.9% vs. 51.1%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was greater appropriateness of the dosage regimen chosen as empirical therapy in the pharmacist-driven ASP group than in the control group (97.8% vs. 88.7%, p = 0.049) and proper duration of target antibiotics in documentation therapy (91.1% vs. 75.6%, p = 0.039). The multivariate analysis showed a pharmacist-driven ASP and infectious diseases consultation had a favorable impact on 30-day infectious diseases-related mortality in chemotherapy-induced FN patients (OR 0.058, 95%CI:0.005–0.655, p = 0.021). Our study demonstrated that pharmacist-driven ASPs could be a great opportunity to improve antibiotic appropriateness in FN patients.


Author(s):  
Gregory Merlo ◽  
Minyon Avent ◽  
Trent Yarwood ◽  
Bonnie Smith ◽  
Mieke van Driel ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The Australian National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy calls for a collaborative effort to change practices that have contributed to the development of drug-resistance and for implementation of new initiatives to reduce antibiotic use. Methods A facilitated workshop was undertaken at the 2019 National Australian Antimicrobial Resistance Forum to explore the complexity of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) implementation in Australia and prioritise future action. Participants engaged in rotating rounds of discussion using a world café format addressing six topics relating to AMS implementation. Once all tables had discussed all themes the discussion concluded and notes were summarised. The documents were independently openly coded by two researchers to identify elements relating to the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship. Results There were 39 participants in the facilitated discussions, including pharmacists, infectious disease physicians, infection prevention nurses, and others. Participants discussed strategies they had found successful, including having a regular presence in clinical areas, adapting messaging and implementation strategies for different disciplines, maintaining positivity, and being patient-focused. Many of the recommendations for the next step involved being patient focussed and outcomesdriven. This involves linking data to practice, using patient stories, using data to celebrate wins and creating incentives. Discussion Recommendations from the workshop should be included in priority setting for the implementation of AMS initiatives across Australia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S302-S303
Author(s):  
Hala Saad ◽  
Kruti Yagnik ◽  
Helen King ◽  
Roger Bedimo ◽  
Richard J Medford

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid Infectious Diseases (ID) consultation has been required to answer novel questions regarding SARS-CoV-2 testing and infection prevention. We sought to evaluate the utility of e-consults to triage and provide rapid ID recommendations to providers. Methods We performed a retrospective study reviewing ID e-consults in three institutions in the North Texas region: Clements University Hospital (CUH), Parkland Hospital and Health System (PHHS), and the VA North Texas Health Care System (VA) from March 1, 2020 to May 15, 2020. Variables collected include age, sex, ethnicity, comorbidities, time to completion, reason for consult and outcome of consult (initiation or removal of personal protective equipment (PPE) and recommendation to test or retest for COVID-19). Results We performed all analysis using R studio (Version 1.3.959). Characteristics of 198 patients included: 112(57%) male, 86(43%) female, 86(43%) Caucasian, 71(36%) Hispanic, 42(21%) African American, 6(3%) Asian and mean(sd) age of 55.1(15.9). Patient comorbidities included: 89(45%) with a heart condition, 77(39%) diabetes, 30(15%) asthma and 14(7%) liver disease. Median time to completion for all hospitals was 4 hours(h); ((CUH (4h) vs PHHS (2h), p&lt; 0.05; VA (5.5h) vs PHHS (2h) p&lt; 0.05)). Most common reasons for e-consult included: (63)32% regarding re-testing ((CUH 14(21%) vs PHHS 43(50%), p&lt; 0.05; CUH vs VA 14(27%), p&lt; 0.05; PHHS vs VA, p&lt; 0.05)), (61)31% testing ((CUH 25(37%) vs PHHS 39(45%), p&lt; 0.05; CUH vs VA 7(16%), p&lt; 0.05; PHHS vs VA, p&lt; 0.05)) and 61(31%) infection prevention (IP). Based on the e-consult recommendation, 53(27%) of patients were tested ((CUH 31(45%) vs PHHS 11(13%), p&lt; 0.05, CUH vs VA 11(25%), PHHS vs VA, p&lt; 0.05)), 45(23%) were re-tested, 44(22%) of patients had PPE started on and 19% had PPE removed ((CUH 0(0%) vs PHHS 16(19%), p&lt; 0.05; CUH vs VA 21(48%), p&lt; 0.05; PHHS vs VA, p&lt; 0.05)). Reason for Consult Conclusion E-consult services can provide prompt ID input during the COVID-19 pandemic, minimizing the risk of infection to the patient and health care workers while preserving PPE and testing supplies. Disclosures Roger Bedimo, MD, MS, Gilead Sciences (Consultant)Merck & Co. (Advisor or Review Panel member)ViiV Healthcare (Advisor or Review Panel member, Research Grant or Support)


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s105-s105
Author(s):  
Romina Bromberg ◽  
Vivian Leung ◽  
Meghan Maloney ◽  
Anu Paranandi ◽  
David Banach

Background: Morbidity and mortality associated with invasive fungal infections and concerns of emerging antifungal resistance have highlighted the importance of optimizing antifungal therapy among hospitalized patients. Little is known about antifungal stewardship (AFS) practices among acute-care hospitals. We sought to assess AFS activities within Connecticut and to identify opportunities for improvement. Methods: An electronic survey assessing AFS practices was distributed to infectious disease physicians or pharmacy antibiotic stewardship program leaders in Connecticut hospitals. Survey questions evaluated AFS activities based on antibiotic stewardship principles, including several CDC Core Elements. Questions assessed antifungal restriction, prospective audit and feedback practices, antifungal utilization measurements, and the perceived utility of a local or statewide antifungal antibiogram. Results: Responses were received from 15 respondents, which represented 20 of 31 hospitals (65%); these hospitals made up the majority of the acute-care hospitals in Connecticut. Furthermore, 18 of these hospitals (58%) include antifungals in their stewardship programs. Also, 16 hospitals (52%) conduct routine review of antifungal ordering and provide feedback to providers for some antifungals, most commonly for amphotericin B, voriconazole, micafungin, isavuconazole, and flucytosine. All hospitals include guidance on intravenous (IV) to oral (PO) conversions, when appropriate. Only 14 of hospitals (45%) require practitioners to document indication(s) for systemic antifungal use. Most hospitals (17, 55%) provide recommendations for de-escalation of therapy in candidemia, though only 4 (13%) have institutional guidelines for candidemia treatment, and only 11 hospital mandates an infectious diseases consultation for candidemia. Assessing outcomes pertaining to antifungal utilization is uncommon; only 8 hospitals (26%) monitor days of therapy and 5 (16%) monitor antifungal expenditures. Antifungal susceptibility testing on Candida bloodstream isolates is performed routinely at 6 of the hospitals (19%). Most respondents (19, 95%) support developing an antibiogram for Candida bloodstream isolates at the statewide level. Conclusions: Although AFS interventions occur in Connecticut hospitals, there are opportunities for enhancement, such as providing institutional guidelines for candidemia treatment and mandating infectious diseases consultation for candidemia. The Connecticut Department of Public Health implemented statewide Candida bloodstream isolate surveillance in 2019, which includes antifungal susceptibility testing. The creation of a statewide antibiogram for Candida bloodstream infections is underway to support empiric antifungal therapy.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s199-s200
Author(s):  
Matthew Linam ◽  
Dorian Hoskins ◽  
Preeti Jaggi ◽  
Mark Gonzalez ◽  
Renee Watson ◽  
...  

Background: Discontinuation of contact precautions for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) have failed to show an increase in associated transmission or infections in adult healthcare settings. Pediatric experience is limited. Objective: We evaluated the impact of discontinuing contact precautions for MRSA, VRE, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing gram-negative bacilli (ESBLs) on device-associated healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Methods: In October 2018, contact precautions were discontinued for children with MRSA, VRE, and ESBLs in a large, tertiary-care pediatric healthcare system comprising 2 hospitals and 620 beds. Coincident interventions that potentially reduced HAIs included blood culture diagnostic stewardship (June 2018), a hand hygiene education initiative (July 2018), a handshake antibiotic stewardship program (December 2018) and multidisciplinary infection prevention rounding in the intensive care units (November 2018). Compliance with hand hygiene and HAI prevention bundles were monitored. Device-associated HAIs were identified using standard definitions. Annotated run charts were used to track the impact of interventions on changes in device-associated HAIs over time. Results: Average hand hygiene compliance was 91%. Compliance with HAI prevention bundles was 81% for ventilator-associated pneumonias, 90% for catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and 97% for central-line–associated bloodstream infections. Overall, device-associated HAIs decreased from 6.04 per 10,000 patient days to 3.25 per 10,000 patient days after October 2018 (Fig. 1). Prior to October 2018, MRSA, VRE and ESBLs accounted for 10% of device-associated HAIs. This rate decreased to 5% after October 2018. The decrease in HAIs was likely related to interventions such as infection prevention rounds and handshake stewardship. Conclusions: Discontinuation of contact precautions for children with MRSA, VRE, and ESBLs were not associated with increased device-associated HAIs, and such discontinuation is likely safe in the setting of robust infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship programs.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None


Author(s):  
Elad Keren ◽  
Abraham Borer ◽  
Lior Nesher ◽  
Tali Shafat ◽  
Rivka Yosipovich ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: To determine whether a multifaceted approach effectively influenced antibiotic use in an orthopedics department. Design: Retrospective cohort study comparing the readmission rate and antibiotic use before and after an intervention. Setting: A 1,000-bed, tertiary-care, university hospital. Patients: Adult patients admitted to the orthopedics department between January 2015 and December 2018. Methods: During the preintervention period (2015–2016), 1 general orthopedic department was in operation. In the postintervention period (2017–2018), 2 separate departments were created: one designated for elective “clean” surgeries and another that included a “complicated wound” unit. A multifaceted strategy including infection prevention measures and introducing antibiotic stewardship practices was implemented. Admission rates, hand hygiene practice compliance, surgical site infections, and antibiotic treatment before versus after the intervention were analyzed. Results: The number of admissions and hospitalization days in the 2 periods did not change. Seven-day readmissions per annual quarter decreased significantly from the preintervention period (median, 7 days; interquartile range [IQR], 6–9) to the postintervention period (median, 4 days; IQR, 2–7; P = .038). Hand hygiene compliance increased and surgical site infections decreased in the postintervention period. Although total antibiotic use was not reduced, there was a significant change in the breakdown of the different antibiotic classes used before and after the intervention: increased use of narrow-spectrum β-lactams (P < .001) and decreased use of β-lactamase inhibitors (P < .001), third-generation cephalosporins (P = .044), and clindamycin (P < .001). Conclusions: Restructuring the orthopedics department facilitated better infection prevention measures accompanied by antibiotic stewardship implementation, resulting in a decreased use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and a significant reduction in readmission rates.


Author(s):  
Sanjeev Singh ◽  
Esmita Charani ◽  
Sarada Devi ◽  
Anuj Sharma ◽  
Fabia Edathadathil ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The global concern over antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is gathering pace. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are at the epicentre of this growing public health threat and governmental and healthcare organizations are at different stages of implementing action plans to tackle AMR. The South Indian state of Kerala was one of the first in India to implement strategies and prioritize activities to address this public health threat. Strategies Through a committed and collaborative effort from all healthcare related disciplines and its professional societies from both public and private sector, the Kerala Public Private Partnership (PPP) has been able to deliver a state-wide strategy to tackle AMR A multilevel strategic leadership model and a multilevel implementation approach that included developing state-wide antibiotic clinical guidelines, a revision of post-graduate and undergraduate medical curriculum, and a training program covering all general practitioners within the state the PPP proved to be a successful model for ensuring state-wide implementation of an AMR action plan. Collaborative work of multi-professional groups ensured co-design and development of disease based clinical treatment guidelines and state-wide infection prevention policy. Knowledge exchange though international and national platforms in the form of workshops for sharing of best practices is critical to success. Capacity building at both public and private institutions included addressing practical and local solutions to the barriers e.g. good antibiotic prescription practices from primary to tertiary care facility and infection prevention at all levels. Conclusion Through 7 years of stakeholder engagement, lobbying with government, and driving change through co-development and implementation, the PPP successfully delivered an antimicrobial stewardship plan across the state. The roadmap for the implementation of the Kerala PPP strategic AMR plan can provide learning for other states and countries aiming to implement action plans for AMR.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s222-s222
Author(s):  
Pita Spruijt ◽  
Paul Bergervoet ◽  
Robbin Westerhof ◽  
Merel Langelaar ◽  
Marie-Cécile Ploy

Background: In 2016, the European Union adopted unanimously Council Conclusions on the next steps to combat antimicrobial resistance under a One Health approach. To implement some of the provisions laid down in the Council Conclusions, a European Joint Action on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Healthcare-Associated Infections (HCAI) or EU-JAMRAI was set up, gathering 44 partners. Methods: As part of EU-JAMRAI, 13 participating European countries set up a country-to-country peer review system to evaluate each other’s national action plans (NAPs). This review system entailed a self-assessment, strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats (SWOT) analysis, and country visits. All steps were executed with representatives from both the human and the veterinary domains (One Health approach). Special attention was given to supervision and the way supervision can enhance the implementation of guidelines on AMR, both at the policy level and within healthcare institutions. Results: Despite differences in the stage of developing and implementing NAPs, all 13 countries are working on NAPs. In this process, country visits function as a moment to exchange best practices and to provide an outsider’s point of view. At the end of 2019, 13 country-to-country visits had taken place, resulting in tailor-made recommendations for each country. These recommendations were shared with the competent authority. An example is a country that used the recommendation to improve infection prevention as an immediate reason to get the topic on the agenda of the Ministry of Health. During the country visits, intersectoral participation was perceived as desirable, but in some cases it was challenging to arrange. For some highly relevant topics, it has been recognized that discussion should take place on a European level. Examples of such topics include supervision, infection prevention guidelines, funding, surveillance, and regular audits of antibiotic prescriptions for physicians including feedback loops. Conclusions: Peer review is a cooperative and friendly working method compared to common audits. The country visits function as an agenda setting tool to get or to keep AMR on the political agenda and presenting the most relevant topic(s) to address for each country.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None


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