Do antimicrobial stewardship programs improve the quality of care in ICU patients diagnosed with infectious diseases following consultation? Experience in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: One of the most important public health concerns is the ever-growing problem of antibiotic resistance. Importantly, the rate of introduction of new molecules into clinical practice has slowed down considerably. Moreover, the rapid emergence of resistance shortens the effective 'lifespan' of these molecules.

Objective: The quality of care before and after active intervention and feedback was evaluated in patients diagnosed with sepsis/septic shock or ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the ICUs of Hacettepe University Adult and Oncology Hospitals.

Results: There was a significant increase in total scores. Significant improvements were achieved in the management of these patients in terms of requests for necessary diagnostic tests, and the prolonged infusion of beta-lactam agents.

Conclusion: Implementation of an ASP in centers where antimicrobial management of ICU patients is largely controlled by infectious diseases specialists remains a feasible strategy that leads to better patient care.

Keywords: VAP; antimicrobial stewardship program; infectious diseases consultation; sepsis.