Implementation of indication-based antibiotic order sentences improves antibiotic use in emergency departments.

INTRODUCTION: Prior data have suggested that suboptimal antibiotic prescribing in the emergency department (ED) is common for uncomplicated lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), urinary tract infections (UTI), and acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). The objective of this study was to measure the effect of indication-based antibiotic order sentences (AOS) on optimal antibiotic prescribing in the ED. METHODS: This was an IRB-approved quasi-experiment of adults prescribed antibiotics in EDs for uncomplicated LRTI, UTI, or ABSSSI from January to June 2019 (pre-implementation) and September to December 2021 (post-implementation). AOS implementation occurred in July 2021. AOS are lean process, electronic discharge prescriptions retrievable by name or indication within the discharge order field. The primary outcome was optimal prescribing, defined as correct antibiotic selection, dose, and duration per local and national guidelines. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were performed; multivariable logistic regression was used to determine variables associated with optimal prescribing. RESULTS: A total of 294 patients were included: 147 pre-group and 147 post-group. Overall optimal prescribing improved from 12 (8%) to 34 (23%) (P < 0.001). Individual components of optimal prescribing were optimal selection at 90 (61%) vs 117 (80%) (P < 0.001), optimal dose at 99 (67%) vs 115 (78%) (P = 0.036), and optimal duration at 38 (26%) vs 50 (34%) (P = 0.13) for pre- and post-group, respectively. AOS was independently associated with optimal prescribing after multivariable logistic regression analysis (adjOR, 3.6; 95%CI,1.7-7.2). A post-hoc analysis showed low uptake of AOS by ED prescribers. CONCLUSIONS: AOS are an efficient and promising strategy to enhance antimicrobial stewardship in the ED.

Experience in an Urban Level 1 Trauma Center With Tranexamic Acid in Pediatric Trauma: A Retrospective Chart Review.

BACKGROUND: Evidence for tranexamic acid (TXA) in the pharmacologic management of trauma is largely derived from data in adults. Guidance on the use of TXA in pediatric patients comes from studies evaluating its use in cardiac and orthopedic surgery. There is minimal data describing TXA safety and efficacy in pediatric trauma. The purpose of this study is to describe the use of TXA in the management of pediatric trauma and to evaluate its efficacy and safety end points. METHODS: This retrospective, observational analysis of pediatric trauma admissions at Hennepin County Medical Center from August 2011 to March 2019 compares patients who did and did not receive TXA. The primary end point is survival to hospital discharge. Secondary end points include surgical intervention, transfusion requirements, length of stay, thrombosis, and TXA dose administered. RESULTS: There were 48 patients aged ≤16 years identified for inclusion using a massive transfusion protocol order. Twenty-nine (60%) patients received TXA. Baseline characteristics and results are presented as median (interquartile range) unless otherwise specified, with statistical significance defined as P < .05. Patients receiving TXA were more likely to be older, but there was no difference in injury type or Injury Severity Score at baseline. There was no difference in survival to discharge or thrombosis. Patients who did not receive TXA had numerically more frequent surgical intervention and longer length of stay, but these did not reach significance. CONCLUSIONS: TXA was utilized in 60% of pediatric trauma admissions at a single level 1 trauma center, more commonly in older patients. Although limited by observational design, we found patients receiving TXA had no difference in mortality or thrombosis.

Improving pediatric pharmacy services in a primarily adult emergency department.

PURPOSE: The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group (PPAG) guidelines for providing pediatric pharmacy services in hospitals and health systems can be used to improve medication safety wherever pediatric patients receive care, including in the emergency department (ED). The purpose of this initiative was to improve compliance with these guidelines in a primarily adult ED. METHODS: This quality improvement initiative was conducted in a level 1 trauma center ED between October 2019 and March 2020. The ASHP-PPAG guidelines were used to create practice elements applicable to the ED. An initial compliance assessment defined elements as noncompliant, partially compliant, fully compliant, or not applicable. Investigators identified interventions to improve compliance for noncompliant or partially compliant elements and then reassessed compliance following implementation. Data were expressed using descriptive statistics. This initiative was exempt from institutional review board approval. RESULTS: Ninety-three ED practice elements were identified within the 9 standards of the ASHP-PPAG guidelines. At the initial compliance assessment, the majority (59.8%) of practice elements were fully compliant; however, various service gaps were identified in 8 of the standards, and 16 interventions were implemented to improve compliance. At the final compliance assessment, there was a 19.5% increase in full compliance. Barriers to achieving full compliance included technology restrictions, time constraints, financial limitations, and influences external to pharmacy. CONCLUSION: This quality improvement initiative demonstrated that the ASHP-PPAG guidelines can be used to improve ED pediatric pharmacy services in a primarily adult institution. The initiative may serve as an example for other hospitals to improve compliance with the guidelines.