Precision dosing software to optimize antimicrobial dosing: a systematic search and follow-up survey of available programs.

BACKGROUND: Precision dosing programs are promising tools for optimising antimicrobial dosing. Selecting the ideal program for local application may be challenging due to the large variety of available programs with differing characteristics. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to systematically identify available precision dosing software programs to optimize antimicrobial dosing and describe the characteristics of each program. Details on the ability of programs to provide beta-lactam dosing support was also gathered. SOURCES: A systematic review search strategy was used to identify candidate software programs described in the literature in Embase and PubMed. A detailed survey was then developed to identify characteristics of programs, including details on the underlying methodology driving dosing software recommendations, interface characteristics, costs and regulatory affairs. Software developers from all identified programs were invited to participate in the survey. CONTENT: The systematic search results identified 18 programs. Fifteen developers responded to the survey (83%) and 11 programs provide dosing support for at least one beta-lactam. Fourteen programs can utilize measured drug concentrations to generate dosing recommendations, with 13 able to generate empiric dosing recommendations. Six programs integrate with local electronic health records and four are registered with at least one regulatory agency. Pharmacokinetic models in combination with Bayesian statistics is the most common methodology used to generate dosing recommendations, with 14 programs utilizing this method. IMPLICATIONS: There was significant variability in the available antimicrobial profiles and characteristics among dosing software programs. As healthcare providers will differ in their requirements within their local settings, clinicians should use these findings to identify potential candidate programs and, if feasible, trial these to ensure they meet their specific requirements.