Impact of Infectious Disease Consultation on S. aureus Bacteremia Mortality

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the impact of a hospital policy requiring infectious disease (ID) consultation and follow-up from an antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) pharmacist-driven team on S. aureus Bacteremia (SAB) patient mortality and improved clinical outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study included adult inpatients with SAB from 1 August 2016 to 30 May 2018 (pre-policy) and June 1 2018 to 29 February 2020 (post-policy). The primary outcome variable was in-hospital mortality, and secondary outcomes were 30-day readmission rate, acute kidney injury (AKI) at discharge, stay length, and adherence to evidence-based treatment. Results: The final sample included 435 patients for analysis. Management by non-ID physicians was associated with an 8.1 increased likelihood of mortality while hospitalized (CI 95%, 3.701–17.569). Overall mortality was reduced from 11% (n = 25) pre-policy to 6% (n = 13) after policy implementation (p = 0.07). Patients with antibiotics managed by non-ID physicians were 3 times more likely to be readmitted within 30 days. Those with a history of being immunocompromised (64% vs. 36%), or cardiovascular disease (56% vs. 44%), and patients whose providers followed guidelines (23% vs. 7%) were more likely to be discharged with AKI. Policy implementation reduced non-consultant cases from 11% to 0%. Conclusion: A policy of mandatory ID consultation with pharmacist-driven AMS review to ensure compliance can improve patient mortality, 30-day readmission rates, and clinical outcomes.