Quality Of Prescribing Research Articles

Long-term outcomes of an educational paediatric antimicrobial stewardship programme: a quality improvement study

Background and objectivesAntimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) have resulted in antimicrobial consumption (AMC) reduction and quality of prescription (QOP) improvement. However, evidence of ASP impact in paediatrics is still limited. This...

Metronidazole prescribing practices in Australian hospitals: Measuring guideline compliance and appropriateness to support antimicrobial stewardship

BackgroundMetronidazole is a commonly prescribed antimicrobial in Australian hospitals. Inappropriate use may increase risks to patient care, such as toxicities and antimicrobial resistance. To date, there is limited information on the quality of metronidazole prescriptions to inform antimicrobial stewardship and quality improvement initiatives. This study aims to describe the quality of metronidazole prescribing practices in Australian hospitals. MethodsRetrospective data analysis of the Hospital National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (Hospital NAPS). Data were collected by auditors at each participating hospital using a standardised auditing tool. All data from 2013 to 2021 were de-identified and analysed descriptively. Variables included were antimicrobial prescribed, indication, guideline compliance and appropriateness. ResultsMetronidazole was the fifth most prescribed antimicrobial in the Hospital NAPS dataset (2013–2021), accounting for 5.7 % (n = 14,197) of all antimicrobial prescriptions (n = 250,863). The proportion of metronidazole prescriptions declined by 2 % from 2013 to 2021 (p < 0.001). The most common indications were surgical prophylaxis (15.3 %), diverticulitis (9.4 %), aspiration pneumonia (7.3 %). Over half (53.5 %) of metronidazole prescriptions were deemed compliant with prescribing guidelines and 67.8 % were deemed appropriate. These rates were comparatively lower than the overall results of all antimicrobials. The primary documented reason for inappropriateness was that the spectrum was too broad (34.2 %). Surgical prophylaxis had the lowest rates of guideline compliance (53.8 %) and appropriateness (54.3 %). ConclusionsMetronidazole remains widely used in Australian hospitals with suboptimal rates of guideline compliance and appropriateness. A noted area for improvement that we identified was using metronidazole when its spectrum was too broad, possibly when anaerobic therapy is unnecessary. With increasing international adoption of the Hospital NAPS programme, future comparative studies will be critical to identify global trends of antimicrobial prescribing quality. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes have proven to be effective in improving prescribing quality and should be considered to specifically target improvements in metronidazole prescribing.

Antibiotic use in pediatric acute care hospitals: an analysis of antibiotic consumption data from Germany, 2013–2020

BackgroundAntimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs are effective tools for improving antibiotic prescription quality. Their implementation requires the regular surveillance of antibiotic consumption at the patient and institutional level. Our study captured and analyzed antibiotic consumption density (ACD) for hospitalized pediatric patients.MethodWe collected antibacterial drug consumption data for 2020 from hospital pharmacies at 113 pediatric departments of acute care hospitals in Germany. ACD was calculated as defined daily dose (DDD, WHO/ATC Index 2019) per 100 patient days (pd). In addition, we analyzed the trends in antibiotic use during 2013–2020.ResultsIn 2020, median ACD across all participating hospitals was 26.7 DDD/100 pd, (range: 10.1–79.2 DDD/100 pd). It was higher at university vs. non-university hospitals (38.6 vs. 25.2 DDD/100 pd, p < 0.0001). The highest use densities were seen on oncology wards and intensive care units at university hospitals (67.3 vs. 38.4 DDD/100 pd). During 2013–2020, overall ACD declined (− 10%) and cephalosporin prescriptions also decreased (− 36%). In 2020, cephalosporins nevertheless remained the most commonly dispensed class of antibiotics. Interhospital variability in cephalosporin/penicillin ratio was substantial. Antibiotics belonging to WHO AWaRe “Watch” and “Reserve” categories, including broad-spectrum penicillins (+ 31%), linezolid (+ 121%), and glycopeptides (+ 43%), increased over time.ConclusionSignificant heterogeneity in ACD and prescription of different antibiotic classes as well as high prescription rates for cephalosporins and an increased use of reserve antibiotics indicate improvable antibiotic prescribing quality. AMS programs should urgently prioritize these issues to reduce antimicrobial resistance.

Improving antibiotic prescribing quality in out-of-hours primary care: a mixed-methods study using participatory action research

Abstract Background During out-of-hours (OOH) primary care, GPs overprescribe antibiotics for respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Many interventions have been shown to improve antibiotic prescribing quality, but their implementation in practice remains difficult. Participatory action research (PAR) aims to explore, implement and evaluate change in practice with an active involvement of local stakeholders, while generating knowledge through experience. Objectives To evaluate whether PAR improves antibiotic prescribing quality for RTIs during OOH primary care and simultaneously identify the pivotal lessons learned. Methods A mixed-methods study with a PAR approach in three OOH GP cooperatives (GPCs). Each GPC co-created a multifaceted intervention focusing on improving antibiotic use for RTIs through plan-do-study-act cycles. We quantified antibiotic prescribing quality indicators and formulated the lessons learned from a qualitative process analysis. Results Interventions were chosen with the GPs and adapted to be context-relevant. The willingness to work on quality and engagement of local stakeholders led to ownership of the project, but was time-consuming. In one GPC, antibiotic prescribing significantly decreased for tonsillitis, bronchitis, otitis media and acute upper RTI. In all three GPCs, use of guideline-recommended antibiotics for otitis media significantly increased. Conclusions Implementing multifaceted interventions through PAR can lower total and increase guideline-recommended antibiotic prescribing for RTIs in OOH primary care. Co-creating interventions with GPs to suit local needs is feasible, but reaching all GPs targeted is challenging.

Antibiotic point prevalence survey and antimicrobial resistance in hospitalized patients across Peruvian reference hospitals

BackgroundPeru reports higher levels than other countries in Latin America of resistance to antimicrobials among Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, however data on antibiotic use in Peru are scarce. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and quality of antibiotic prescription in hospitalized patients and to determine the antibiotic susceptibility rates of bacteria causing key bacterial infections. MethodsWe carried out a point prevalence survey of antibiotic prescription at ten public hospitals in nine regions of Peru. Data was collected from patients hospitalized during a 3-week period, with details about antibiotic use, patient information, and antimicrobial susceptibility. Results1620 patient charts were reviewed; in 924 cases antibiotics were prescribed (57.0 %, range 45.9–78.9 %). Most of the antibiotics (74.2 %) were prescribed as empirical treatment, only 4.4 % as targeted treatment. For 9.5 % of cases the reason for antibiotic use was unknown. Cephalosporins were the most prescribed (30.0 %), followed by carbapenems (11.3 %). Ninety-four blood cultures were positive for bacterial growth, 48.8 % of the Staphylococcus aureus were methicillin-resistant, among Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, 51.7 % and 72.7 % were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins (3GC), 3.4 % and 18.2 % were resistant to carbapenems, respectively. Among bacteria isolated from urine cultures (n = 639), 43.9 % of E. coli and 49.2 % of K. pneumoniae were resistant to 3GC, and 0.9 % of E. coli and 3.2 % of K. pneumoniae were resistant to meropenem. ConclusionsThe overall proportion of hospitalized patients receiving antibiotics in hospitals from different regions in Peru was high, with only a small proportion receiving targeted treatment. Cephalosporins and carbapenems were the most frequently prescribed antibiotics, reflecting high resistance rates against 3GC and carbapenems in Enterobacterales isolated from blood and urine.

Quality of antibiotic prescribing for pediatric community-acquired Pneumonia in outpatient care

BackgroundAntibiotics remain the primary treatment for community acquired pneumonia (CAP), however rising rates of antimicrobial resistance may jeopardize their future efficacy. With higher rates of disease reported in the youngest populations, effective treatment courses for pediatric pneumonia are of paramount importance. This study is the first to examine the quality of pediatric antibiotic use by agent, dose and duration.MethodsA retrospective cohort study included all outpatient/primary care physician visits for pediatric CAP (aged < 19 years) between January 1 2014 to December 31 2018. Relevant practice guidelines were identified, and treatment recommendations extracted. Amoxicillin was the primary first-line agent for pediatric CAP. Categories of prescribing included: guideline adherent, effective but unnecessary (excess dose and/or duration), under treatment (insufficient dose and/or duration), and not recommended. Proportions of attributable-antibiotic use were examined by prescribing category, and then stratified by age and sex.Result(s)A total of 42,452 episodes of pediatric CAP were identified. Of those, 31,347 (76%) resulted in an antibiotic prescription. Amoxicillin accounted for 51% of all prescriptions. Overall, 27% of prescribing was fully guideline adherent, 19% effective but unnecessary, 10% under treatment, and 44% not recommended by agent. Excessive duration was the hallmark of effective but unnecessary prescribing (97%) Macrolides accounted for the majority on non-first line agent use, with only 32% of not recommended prescribing preceded by a previous course of antibiotics.Conclusion(s)This study is the first in Canada to examine prescribing quality for pediatric CAP by agent, dose and duration. Utilizing first-line agents, and shorter-course treatments are targets for stewardship.

Pharmacogenetic Guidelines for Psychotropic Drugs: Optimizing Prescriptions in Clinical Practice.

The modalities for prescribing a psychotropic (dose and choice of molecule) are currently unsatisfactory, which can lead to a lack of efficacy of the treatment associated with prolonged exposure of the patient to the symptoms of his or her illness and the side effects of the molecule. In order to improve the quality of treatment prescription, a part of the current biomedical research is dedicated to the development of pharmacogenetic tools for individualized prescription. In this guideline, we will present the genes of interest with level 1 clinical recommendations according to PharmGKB for the two major families of psychotropics: antipsychotics and antidepressants. For antipsychotics, there are CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, and for antidepressants, CYP2B6, CYP2D6, and CYP2C19. The study will focus on describing the role of each gene, presenting the variants that cause functional changes, and discussing the implications for prescriptions in clinical practice.

Two-Year Follow-Up of Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease Patients in a Specialized Center in Brazil.

The incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease (CIHD) may vary significantly among countries. Although populous, Brazil is often underrepresented in international records. This study aimed to describe the quality of care and the two-year incidence of cardiovascular events and associated prognostic factors in CIHD patients in a tertiary public health care center in Brazil. Patients with CIHD who reported for clinical evaluation at Instituto do Coração (São Paulo, Brazil) were registered and followed for two years. The primary endpoint was a composite of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or death. A significance level of 0.05 was adopted. From January 2016 to December 2018, 625 participants were included in the study. Baseline characteristics show that 33.1% were women, median age 66.1 [59.6 - 71.9], 48.6% had diabetes, 83.1% had hypertension, 62.6% had previous MI, and 70.4% went through some revascularization procedure. At a median follow-up (FU) of 881 days, we noted 37 (7.05%) primary endpoints. After adjustments, age, previous stroke, and LDL-cholesterol were independently associated with the primary endpoint. Comparing baseline versus FU, participants experienced relief of angina based on the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) scale according to the following percentages: 65.7% vs. 81.7% were asymptomatic and 4.2% vs. 2.9% CCS 3 or 4 (p < 0.001). They also experienced better quality of medication prescription: 65.8% vs. 73.6% (p < 0.001). However, there was no improvement in LDL-cholesterol or blood pressure control. This study shows that CIHD patients had a two-year incidence of the primary composite endpoint of 7.05%, and the reduction of LDL-cholesterol was the only modifiable risk factor associated with prognosis.

Enhancing Medical Students' Confidence and Knowledge in Antibiotic Prescription and Administration through Virtual Education: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide health concern that necessitates antibiotic stewardship. Medical students significantly impact future healthcare practices; thus, their trust in antibiotic prescription and administration is crucial. This research aims to assess medical students' levels of confidence and knowledge in these areas before and after exposure to virtual antibiotic stewardship education. A one-group pretest-posttest design was conducted with medical students from King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Participants were enrolled in the WHO-online antibiotic stewardship course. The group's baseline confidence and background knowledge were reported to be lower than what was offered after introducing the virtual course. The McNemar-Bowker test showed a significant difference in students' confidence in pre-course and post-course scores (Z = 20, p < 0.002); the matched paired t-test revealed a significant difference in students' knowledge scores (M = 7.66 verses M = 5.36, Z = 3.54, p = 0.001). In the sample, 70% of the students were unfamiliar with antibiotic stewardship; thus, the analysis revealed a significant difference in their familiarity before and after enrolling in the online course (30 vs. 100, p < 0.001). Medical students experience low confidence in the safe practice of the antibiotic stewardship program. The WHO-online antibiotic stewardship course is considered a valuable resource that can be used in a formative medical curriculum. Thus, educators and the academic curriculum must promote practical strategies to minimize antibiotic stewardship literacy and increase antibiotic prescribing and administration quality. Introducing antibiotic stewardship across the medical curriculum and establishing educational courses are some strategies that can be undertaken to ensure that future doctors are well-educated in the principles and practices of the appropriate use of antibiotic stewardship.

Agreement between pharmacists and physicians on the assessment of appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing

IntroductionAudits for monitoring the quality of antimicrobial prescribing are a main tool in antimicrobial stewardship programs; however, interobserver reliability has not been conclusively assessed. Our objective was to measure the level of agreement between pharmacists and physicians on the appropriateness of antimicrobials prescribing in hospitals. MethodsA national multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted of patients who were receiving antimicrobials one day of April 2021. Hospital participation was voluntary, and the study population was randomly selected. Pharmacists and physicians performed a simultaneous, independent assessment of the quality of antimicrobial prescriptions. The observers used an assessment method by which all indicators of the quality of antimicrobial use were considered. Finally, an algorithm was used to rate overall antimicrobial prescribing as appropriate, suboptimal, inappropriate, or not assessable. Gwet's AC1 coefficient was used to assess interobserver agreement. ResultsIn total, 101 hospitals participated, and 411 hospital antimicrobial prescriptions were reviewed. The strength of agreement was moderate regarding the overall quality of prescribing (AC1=0.51; 95%CI=[0.44–0.58]). A very good level of agreement (AC1>0.80) was observed between pharmacists and physicians in all indicators of the quality, except for duration of treatment, rated as good (AC1=0.79; 95%CI=[0.75–0.83]), and registration on the medical record, rated as fair (AC1=0.34; 95%CI=[0.26–0.43]). The agreement was greater in critical care, onco-hematology, and pediatric units than in medical and surgery units. ConclusionsIn this point prevalence study, a moderate level of agreement was observed between pharmacists and physicians in the evaluation of the appropriateness of antimicrobials prescribing in hospitals.

Assessment of prescription pattern of under-five diarrhea cases in Western Odisha

Introduction: Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death among under-five children. Prescription review by the authorities of the health facilities every month for the improvement of the quality of prescription writing of Medical practitioners is very essentials. With this background, the present study was conducted to assess the prescription patterns of healthcare providers for under-five diarrhea cases and to study the factors responsible for nonadherence to protocol of prescription patterns. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the health facilities of two aspirational districts of Odisha. All secondary- and tertiary-level health institutions with 2–3 randomly selected PHCs of that blocks of the two districts were the study units. Mixed methods were used for data collection. Primary data were collected by in-depth interview of doctor and pharmacist. Secondary data were collected by review of records such as OPD ticket, IPD ticket, OPD register, dispensing register, and stock registers. Results: Of the 64 health facilities visited, a total of 516 prescriptions [217 (42%)] scanned/carbon copy of OPD ticket, 238 (46%) data from register on drug prescription, and 61 (11.8%) IPD record data were collected. Duration of diarrhea illness was not mentioned in any of the prescriptions which is important criteria for classifying the type of diarrhea and treatment. Signs of dehydration and degree of dehydration were mentioned in very few prescriptions of both the district. For the treatment of diarrhea cases, 2 to 4 medicines were prescribed in majority of 146 (67.3%), followed by more than four medicines in 38 (17.5%) prescriptions, and less than two medicines were prescribed in 33 (15.2%) cases. All prescriptions from MCH and SDH had ORS and zinc. Though all of them knew about the management protocol as per IMNCI, to be on the safe onside they used to prescribe more medicines to under-five diarrhea cases. None had the knowledge on five types of management plan. Conclusion: For under-five diarrhea cases, care should be taken to write the detail examination finding, weight of the child, associated comorbid condition, and advice on feeding in the prescription.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment of common infections in primary care and the change to antibiotic prescribing in England

BackgroundThere is concern that the COVID-19 pandemic altered the management of common infections in primary care. This study aimed to evaluate infection-coded consultation rates and antibiotic use during the pandemic and how any change may have affected clinical outcomes.MethodsWith the approval of NHS England, a retrospective cohort study using the OpenSAFELY platform analysed routinely collected electronic health data from GP practices in England between January 2019 and December 2021. Infection coded consultations and antibiotic prescriptions were used estimate multiple measures over calendar months, including age-sex adjusted prescribing rates, prescribing by infection and antibiotic type, infection consultation rates, coding quality and rate of same-day antibiotic prescribing for COVID-19 infections. Interrupted time series (ITS) estimated the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on infection-coded consultation rates. The impact of the pandemic on non- COVID-19 infection-related hospitalisations was also estimated.ResultsRecords from 24 million patients were included. The rate of infection-related consultations fell for all infections (mean reduction of 39% in 2020 compared to 2019 mean rate), except for UTI which remained stable. Modelling infection-related consultation rates highlighted this with an incidence rate ratio of 0.44 (95% CI 0.36–0.53) for incident consultations and 0.43 (95% CI 0.33–0.54) for prevalent consultations. Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) saw the largest reduction of 0.11 (95% CI 0.07–0.17). Antibiotic prescribing rates fell with a mean reduction of 118.4 items per 1000 patients in 2020, returning to pre-pandemic rates by summer 2021. Prescribing for LRTI decreased 20% and URTI increased 15.9%. Over 60% of antibiotics were issued without an associated same-day infection code, which increased during the pandemic. Infection-related hospitalisations reduced (by 62%), with the largest reduction observed for pneumonia infections (72.9%). Same-day antibiotic prescribing for COVID-19 infection increased from 1 to 10.5% between the second and third national lockdowns and rose again during 2022.ConclusionsChanges to consultations and hospital admissions may be driven by reduced transmission of non-COVID-19 infections due to reduced social mixing and lockdowns. Inconsistencies in coding practice emphasises the need for improvement to inform new antibiotic stewardship policies and prevent resistance to novel infections.

How much convergence exists between registered process measures and patient reported experience measures? A study on Catalan primary healthcare.

The use of quality measures is important for transparency and the continuous improvement of performance. However, we do not know enough about the relationship between registered process measures and patient reported experience measures (PREMs) in primary healthcare. Recent studies point to areas of convergence that run contrary anticipated trends. This is a relevant question for healthcare management and governments as their position is stronger when system's guidelines and targets also matter to patients or, vice versa, when patient-centered measures are used to develop new process measures. Our aim is to study both type of measures, their logic and their level of convergence. We also assess the relationship between PREMs, patients' demographic characteristics and area socioeconomic level. We estimated pairwise correlations with patient experience aggregated at the health-center level and a series of multilevel regression models to assess the adjusted effect of four registered process measures on ratings of patient experience at the patient level. We use patient experience as measured by survey data, two composite quality indices and two single indicators regularly computed by the Catalan Health Service. Continuity of care with the same doctor and accessibility are positively associated with patient experience. No relationship was observed in the index created to measure quality of assistance. The index measuring the quality of prescriptions was positively associated with patient experience but only when analyzed separately. We conclude that registered process measures and PREMs are not entirely independent, hence improvements of the management side have the potential to impact patient experience.

FTP4.1 Compliance With Antimicrobial Prescribing Guideline Recommendations

Abstract Aims Due to concerns regarding the quality of antimicrobial prescribing in the General Surgery department at a District General Hospital, a prospective quality improvement project was undertaken to guide local antimicrobial stewardship. To assess the compliance of the General Surgery department with local antimicrobial prescribing guidelines and policies, and recommendations in the BNF and electronic medicines compendium (EMC). The aim was to evaluate the extent of change in compliance of the General Surgery junior doctors during after intervention. Methodology Prospectively collected data on the patients admitted and started on antimicrobial agents over two 3-week periods under the General Surgery department. Educational interventions were initiated in the interval between the periods of data collection. Results 91 patients were audited in Cycle 1 with a median age of 57 (9-93) years including 36 males and 55 females. Cycle 2 involved 89 patients with a median age of 60 (9-87) with 48 males and 41 females. After intervention, there was an increase in correct prescribing regime (51.6 to 56.2%), correct dose (91.2 to 98.9%), correct frequency (59.3 to 79.8%), and correct duration; when included (78.8 to 83.3%). There was a decrease in the duration being included on the prescription (36.3 to 33.7%). The increases in correct antimicrobial dosing and correct antimicrobial frequency prescriptions were statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. Conclusion Areas for improvement in the compliance to prescribing guidelines in the department could be influenced successfully through appropriate intervention. The audit highlighted particular areas to be targeted by education.

Comments by Microbiologists for Interpreting Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing and Improving the Appropriateness of Antibiotic Therapy in Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infections: A Randomized Double-Blind Digital Case-Vignette Controlled Superiority Trial.

In primary care, urinary tract infections (UTIs) account for the majority of antibiotic prescriptions. Comments from microbiologists on interpreting the antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) profile for urinalysis were made to improve the prescription of antibiotics. We aimed to explore the added value of these comments on the quality of antibiotic prescribing by a superior double-blind digital randomized case-vignette trial among French general practitioners (GPs). One case vignette with (intervention) or without (control) a 'comment' after AST was randomly assigned to GPs. Among 815 participating GPs, 64.7% were women, at an average age of 37 years. Most (90.1%) used a computerized decision support system for prescribing antibiotics. Empirical antibiotic therapy was appropriate in 71.9% (95% CI, 68.8-75.0) of the cases, without differences between arms. The overall appropriateness of targeted antibiotic therapy (primary outcome) was not significantly increased when providing 'comments': 83.4% vs. 79.9% (OR = 1.26, 95% CI, 0.86-1.85). With the multivariate analysis, the appropriateness was improved by 2-folds (OR = 2.38, 95% CI, 1.02-6.16) among physicians working in healthcare facilities. Among digital-affine young general practitioners, the adjunction of a 'comment' by a microbiologist to interpret urinalysis in community-acquired UTIs did not improve the overall level of appropriateness of the targeted antibiotic.

Agreement between pharmacists and physicians on the assessment of appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing

IntroductionAudits for monitoring the quality of antimicrobial prescribing are a main tool in antimicrobial stewardship programs; however, interobserver reliability has not been conclusively assessed. Our objective was to measure the level of agreement between pharmacists and physicians on the appropriateness of antimicrobials prescribing in hospitals. MethodsA national multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted of patients who were receiving antimicrobials one day of April 2021. Hospital participation was voluntary, and the study population was randomly selected. Pharmacists and physicians performed a simultaneous, independent assessment of the quality of antimicrobial prescriptions. The observers used an assessment method by which all indicators of the quality of antimicrobial use were considered. Finally, an algorithm was used to rate overall antimicrobial prescribing as appropriate, suboptimal, inappropriate, or not assessable. Gwet's AC1 coefficient was used to assess interobserver agreement. ResultsIn total, 101 hospitals participated, and 411 hospital antimicrobial prescriptions were reviewed. The strength of agreement was moderate regarding the overall quality of prescribing (AC1=0.51; 95%CI=[0.44–0.58]). A very good level of agreement (AC1>0.80) was observed between pharmacists and physicians in all indicators of the quality, except for duration of treatment, rated as good (AC1=0.79; 95%CI=[0.75–0.83]), and registration on the medical record, rated as fair (AC1=0.34; 95%CI=[0.26–0.43]). The agreement was greater in critical care, onco-hematology, and pediatric units than in medical and surgery units. ConclusionsIn this point prevalence study, a moderate level of agreement was observed between pharmacists and physicians in the evaluation of the appropriateness of antimicrobials prescribing in hospitals.

Assessment of the quality of antimicrobial prescribing among hospitalized patients in a teaching hospital in Ghana: findings and implications

ABSTRACT Objective There is a need to assess the quality of antimicrobial prescribing in hospitals as a first step toward improving future prescribing to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This is in line with Ghana's National Action Plan. Methods A point prevalence survey of antimicrobial use was undertaken at the adult medical, surgical, and pediatric wards of Tamale Teaching Hospital using the standardized Global Point Prevalence Survey (GPPS) tool. Key target areas include adherence to current guidelines, limiting the prescribing of ‘Watch’ antibiotics with their greater resistance potential, and limiting the prescribing of antibiotics post-operatively to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs). Results Out of 217 patients' medical records assessed, 155 (71.4%) patients were prescribed antimicrobials. The rates were similar among children (73.9%) and adults (70.3%). Most of the antibiotics prescribed were in the WHO ‘Watch’ group (71.0%) followed by those in the ‘Access’ group (29%). Out of the 23 cases indicated for surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent SSIs, the majority (69.6%) were given doses for more than 1 day, with none receiving a single dose. This needs addressing to reduce AMR and costs. Guideline compliance with the current Ghanaian Standard Treatment Guidelines (GSTG) for managing infections was also low (28.7%). The type of indication was the only independent predictor of guideline compliance (aOR = 0.013 CI 0.001–0.127, p-value = 0.001). Conclusion Given current concerns with antimicrobial prescribing in this hospital, deliberate efforts must be made to improve the appropriateness of prescribing to reduce AMR via targeted antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Appropriateness of inpatient intravenous iron therapy in a Swiss tertiary care hospital.

Intravenous (IV) iron replacement is an established treatment for iron deficiency and is recommended in various medical guidelines, but cheaper oral iron formulations remain first-line therapy in several instances. Data on adherence to current prescription standards are lacking in Switzerland. Retrospective single center quality control study evaluating the appropriateness of IV iron replacement in 400 inpatients during 2019 and 2021 at a Swiss tertiary care hospital. Appropriateness of IV iron was assessed by expert chart review according to national and international guidelines. IV iron prescriptions were assessed as inappropriate in 147 (37%) of cases (indication lacking in 13%, oral route preferred in 24%). Inappropriate prescribing was more common (p < .001) in surgical wards (66%) compared to medical units (48%) and the gynecologic ward (19%). Iron studies were lacking in 29% of inappropriate IV administrations. Insufficient replacement dosages were chosen in 38% of patients with appropriate prescription. Based on current guidelines, inappropriate in-hospital prescription of IV iron was frequently observed. Considerable differences exist between hospital units, which are consistent with conflicting recommendations of professional societies. We recommend increased attention toward the prescription quality to avoid unnecessary, expensive, and potentially harmful use of IV iron.

Examining the effects of physician burnout on pain management for patients with advanced lung cancer.

Physician burnout is generally associated with worse clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of physician burnout on the quality of physicians' pain assessment and opioid prescribing for patients with advanced lung cancer. Moreover, we test whether these relationships are moderated by patient-level factors, such as patient race and activation level, that have a demonstrated impact on clinical encounters. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a multisite randomized field experiment. From 2012 to 2016, 96 primary care physicians and oncologists who treated solid tumors were recruited from hospitals and medical sites in three small metropolitan and rural areas in the USA. Physicians saw two unannounced standardized patients who presented with advanced lung cancer. Standardized patients varied across race (Black or White) and activation level (activated, typical). Visits were audio recorded and transcribed. Pain management was evaluated by the quality of pain assessment and opioid prescribing during these visits. Mixed-effects linear regression and generalized mixed-effects modeling showed that higher levels of burnout were associated with a greater likelihood of prescribing an opioid and prescribing stronger opioid doses for patients. These effects were not moderated by patient race or activation level. Findings from this work inform our understanding of physician-level factors that impact clinical decision-making in the context of cancer pain management. Specifically, this study identifies the role of physician burnout on the quality of prescribing for patients with advanced lung cancer.

Improving the Quality of Valproate Prescribing in Adult Mental Health Services - POMH Topic 20b - Enhanced Community Rehabilitation Service (ECRS), Bognor Regis, West Sussex

Aims:/BackgroundThe licensed indications for Sodium Valproate are narrow however the medication is commonly prescribed amongst mental health services in the UK. Such practice can be associated with ineffective and poorly tolerated treatment, especially given the limited evidence re efficacy of 'off label' use of Valproate.Aims and auditable outcomes •Annual review of risk benefit balance for those on continued Valproate treatment to include asking about adverse effects, medication adherence and therapeutic benefit Any 'off label' prescription of Valproate, should be explained to the patient and documented•Clinician's reasons for initiating Valproate treatment should be documented in clinical records•Plasma level monitoring of Valproate treatment should not be used unless there is evidence of concerns about medication adherence, dose related side effects and/or ineffectiveness•Prior to initiating Valproate, the following should be documented in the clinical records: Full Blood Count (FBC), Liver Function Tests (LFTs) and Weight and/or BMI•Review within first three months of Valproate treatment should include: Screening for common side effects and assessment of the response of treatmentMethodsOnly 7 of 51 patients on the ECRS caseload were eligible for the study i.e. currently prescribed Valproate, irrespective of age.Audit forms provided by POMH team. Clinical records used to complete included all electronic/paper notes, letters, and other patient information available to clinical team.Due to nature of information required we involved doctors and nurses from the clinical team.Results6/7 (86%) of patients had clinical reasoning for Valproate prescription documented in their clinical records - 5/7 (71%) were prescribed 'off-label' - mainly as adjunct for refractory Schizophrenia.7/7 (100%) of patients had a documented review in the past year which included asking about adherence to their Valproate medication.2/7 (29%) of patients had plasma monitoring of Valproate treatment in the past year as part of routine hospital admission blood tests. No evidence of concerns for the other patients documented otherwise.5/7 (71%) had treatment initiated with Valproate more than 5 years ago, hence unable to see if prescription initiations were explained to patients due to lack of historical records.ConclusionFirst cycle of this internal audit which forms part of a wider national prescribing audit, demonstrates that the ECRS team are generally meeting current standards for Valproate prescription.Despite the majority (71%) being initiated &gt;5y ago - 86% of our patients have documented clinical reasons for ongoing prescription, with100% having a documented review in the past year.