Prolonged vs Intermittent Infusions of ß-Lactam Antibiotics in Adults With Sepsis or Septic Shock: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Importance: There is uncertainty about whether prolonged infusions of ß-lactam antibiotics improve clinically important outcomes in critically ill adults with sepsis or septic shock. Objective: To determine whether prolonged ß-lactam antibiotic infusions are associated with a reduced risk of death in critically ill adults with sepsis or septic shock compared with intermittent infusions. Data Sources: The primary search was conducted with MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to May 2, 2024. Study Selection: Randomized clinical trials comparing prolonged (continuous or extended) and intermittent infusions of ß-lactam antibiotics in critically ill adults with sepsis or septic shock. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Data extraction and risk of bias were assessed independently by 2 reviewers. Certainty of evidence was evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. A bayesian framework was used as the primary analysis approach and a frequentist framework as the secondary approach. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was all-cause 90-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included intensive care unit (ICU) mortality and clinical cure. Results: From 18 eligible randomized clinical trials that included 9108 critically ill adults with sepsis or septic shock (median age, 54 years; IQR, 48-57; 5961 men [65%]), 17 trials (9014 participants) contributed data to the primary outcome. The pooled estimated risk ratio for all-cause 90-day mortality for prolonged infusions of ß-lactam antibiotics compared with intermittent infusions was 0.86 (95% credible interval, 0.72-0.98; I2 = 21.5%; high certainty), with a 99.1% posterior probability that prolonged infusions were associated with lower 90-day mortality. Prolonged infusion of ß-lactam antibiotics was associated with a reduced risk of intensive care unit mortality (risk ratio, 0.84; 95% credible interval, 0.70-0.97; high certainty) and an increase in clinical cure (risk ratio, 1.16; 95% credible interval, 1.07-1.31; moderate certainty). Conclusions and Relevance: Among adults in the intensive care unit who had sepsis or septic shock, the use of prolonged ß-lactam antibiotic infusions was associated with a reduced risk of 90-day mortality compared with intermittent infusions. The current evidence presents a high degree of certainty for clinicians to consider prolonged infusions as a standard of care in the management of sepsis and septic shock. Trial Registration: PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42023399434.

Continuous vs Intermittent ß-Lactam Antibiotic Infusions in Critically Ill Patients With Sepsis: The BLING III Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Whether ß-lactam antibiotics administered by continuous compared with intermittent infusion reduces the risk of death in patients with sepsis is uncertain. Objective: To evaluate whether continuous vs intermittent infusion of a ß-lactam antibiotic (piperacillin-tazobactam or meropenem) results in decreased all-cause mortality at 90 days in critically ill patients with sepsis. Design, Setting, and Participants: An international, open-label, randomized clinical trial conducted in 104 intensive care units (ICUs) in Australia, Belgium, France, Malaysia, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Recruitment occurred from March 26, 2018, to January 11, 2023, with follow-up completed on April 12, 2023. Participants were critically ill adults (≥18 years) treated with piperacillin-tazobactam or meropenem for sepsis. Intervention: Eligible patients were randomized to receive an equivalent 24-hour dose of a ß-lactam antibiotic by either continuous (n = 3498) or intermittent (n = 3533) infusion for a clinician-determined duration of treatment or until ICU discharge, whichever occurred first. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 90 days after randomization. Secondary outcomes were clinical cure up to 14 days after randomization; new acquisition, colonization, or infection with a multiresistant organism or Clostridioides difficile infection up to 14 days after randomization; ICU mortality; and in-hospital mortality. Results: Among 7202 randomized participants, 7031 (mean [SD] age, 59 [16] years; 2423 women [35%]) met consent requirements for inclusion in the primary analysis (97.6%). Within 90 days, 864 of 3474 patients (24.9%) assigned to receive continuous infusion had died compared with 939 of 3507 (26.8%) assigned intermittent infusion (absolute difference, -1.9% [95% CI, -4.9% to 1.1%]; odds ratio, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.81 to 1.01]; P = .08). Clinical cure was higher in the continuous vs intermittent infusion group (1930/3467 [55.7%] and 1744/3491 [50.0%], respectively; absolute difference, 5.7% [95% CI, 2.4% to 9.1%]). Other secondary outcomes were not statistically different. Conclusions and Relevance: The observed difference in 90-day mortality between continuous vs intermittent infusions of ß-lactam antibiotics did not meet statistical significance in the primary analysis. However, the confidence interval around the effect estimate includes the possibility of both no important effect and a clinically important benefit in the use of continuous infusions in this group of patients. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03213990.

Corrigendum to "Statistical analysis plan for the BLING III study: a phase 3 multicentre randomised controlled trial of continuous versus intermittent ß-lactam antibiotic infusion in critically ill patients with sepsis" [Crit Care Resusc 23(3) (2021) 273-284].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.51893/2021.3.oa4.].

The impact of a cognitive impairment support program on patients in an acute care setting: a pre-test post-test intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cognitive impairment are at greater risk of hospital acquired complications, longer hospital stays, and poor health outcomes compared to patients without cognitive impairment. The Cognitive Impairment Support Program is a multi-disciplinary approach to improve screening rates and awareness of patients with cognitive impairment and guide clinician response and communication during their hospitalisation to improve health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the impact of implementing the Cognitive Impairment Support Program on patient hospital acquired complications, patient reported quality of life and staff satisfaction in an outer metropolitan hospital. DESIGN: A pre-test post-test design was used to collect data in two 6-month time periods between March 2020 and November 2021. PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged ≥ 65 years, admitted to a participating ward for > 24 h. INTERVENTION: The Cognitive Impairment Support Program consisted of four components: cognitive impairment screening, initiation of a Cognitive Impairment Care Plan, use of a Cognitive Impairment Identifier and associated staff education. MEASURES: The primary outcome was hospital acquired complications experienced by patients with cognitive impairment identified using clinical coding data. Secondary outcomes were patient quality of life and a staff confidence and perceived organisational support to care for patients with cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Hospital acquired complication rates did not vary significantly between the two data collection periods for patients experiencing cognitive impairment with a 0.2% (95% confidence interval: -5.7-6.1%) reduction in admissions with at least one hospital acquired complication. Patients in the post intervention period demonstrated statistically significant improvements in many items in two of the Dementia Quality of Life Measure domains: memory and everyday life. The staff survey indicated statistically significant improvement in clinical staff confidence to care for patients with cognitive impairment (p = 0.003), satisfaction with organisational support for patients (p = 0.004) and job satisfaction (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that a multicomponent Cognitive Impairment Support Program had a positive impact on staff confidence and satisfaction and patient quality of life. Broader implementation with further evaluation of the multicomponent cognitive impairment intervention across a range of settings using varied patient outcomes is recommended.

Fathers attending the birth of their baby: Views, intentions and needs.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information about fathers' views, intentions and needs leading up to childbirth. AIMS: This study explores the factors influencing fathers' intention to attend the birth, and the needs and supports required leading up to childbirth. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of 203 prospective fathers attending antenatal appointments at an outer metropolitan public teaching hospital in Brisbane, Australia. RESULTS: A total of 201/203 (99.0%) participants intended to attend the birth. The reported reasons included: responsibility (99.5%), protectiveness (99.0%), love for their partner (99.0%), the right thing to do (98.0%), desire to see the birth (98.0%), the perception that partners should attend (97.4%), duty (96.4%) and partner preference (91.4%). Some felt pressured by their partner (12.8%), society (10.8%), cultural expectations (9.6%) and family (9.1%), and 10.6% perceived adverse consequences for not attending. Most participants (94.6%) felt well supported, experienced good communication (72.4%), had the opportunity to ask questions (69.8%) and received an explanation of events (66.3%). They were less often supported by antenatal visits (46.7%) and by a plan for future visits (32.2%). Ten per cent of all fathers and 13.8% of experienced fathers requested better mental health support, and 9.0% prefer better clinician communication. CONCLUSIONS: Most fathers intend to attend childbirth for personal and moral reasons; however, a small proportion feel pressured. Most fathers feel well supported, although potential improvements include planning for future visits, provision of information, mental health support, clinician communication, increased involvement in their partner's care, the opportunity to ask questions and more frequent clinic visits.

A Multicenter Observational Study Evaluating Outcomes Associated With Antibiotic Combination Versus Monotherapy in Patients With Septic Shock.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the association between antibiotic combination therapy and in-hospital mortality in patients with septic shock in two tertiary ICUs in different countries. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: ICUs of two tertiary hospitals, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, and Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. PATIENTS: Adult patients with antibiotic treatment greater than or equal to 72 hours and vasopressor therapy greater than or equal to 24 hours. INTERVENTION: Combination versus mono antibiotic therapy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Combination antibiotic therapy was defined as receiving two or more antibiotics from different classes, started within 12 hours of each other and with an overlapping duration of greater than or equal to 12 hours. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed comparing combination antibiotic therapy versus antibiotic monotherapy on in-hospital mortality. The analysis was adjusted for age, gender, centre, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and chronic health evaluation. In total, 1,667 patients were included with 953 (57%) receiving combination therapy. Patients given combination therapy were older (60 ± 16 vs 56 ± 18), more likely admitted to Rigshospitalet (58% vs 16%), and had a higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (26 ± 8 vs 23 ± 8). Combination therapy was associated with an increased mortality in univariate analysis (odds ratio = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.07-1.66); however, there was no significant association in the adjusted analysis (odds ratio = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.68-1.15). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective study, no association was found between use of combination therapy and in-hospital mortality. The large differences between centers probably reflect local traditions and lack of definitive evidence.

Early Sequential Microcirculation Assessment In Shocked Patients as a Predictor of Outcome: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: A dysfunctional microcirculation is universal in shock and is often dissociated from global hemodynamic parameters. Persistent microcirculatory derangements reflect ongoing tissue hypoperfusion and organ injury. The initial microcirculatory dysfunction and subsequent resolution could potentially guide therapy and predict outcomes. We evaluated the microcirculation early in a heterogenous shocked population. Microcirculatory resolution was correlated with measures of tissue perfusion and global hemodynamics. The relationship between the microcirculation over 24 h and outcome were evaluated. DESIGN: We prospectively recruited patients with all forms of shock, based on global hemodynamics and evidence of organ hypoperfusion. SETTING: A 30-bed adult intensive care unit (ICU). PATIENTS: Eighty-two shocked patients. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Following the diagnosis of shock, patients underwent a sublingual microcirculation examination using Sidestream Dark Field Imaging. The median age of patients was 66 years old (interquartile range [IQR] 54-71), with an Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II of 27 (IQR 20-32). Microcirculatory parameters included Percentage Perfused Vessels (PPV), De Backer Score, and a heterogeneity index in patients with septic shock, according to the second consensus guidelines Additional parameters collected: temperature, heart rate and arterial pressure, cumulative fluid balance, and vasopressor use. Arterial blood samples were taken at the time of microcirculatory assessments, providing HCO3, lactate concentrations, PaO2, and PaCO2 measurements. A statistically significant improvement in PPV and the heterogeneity index was demonstrated. This improvement was mirrored by biomarkers of perfusion; however, the global hemodynamic parameter changes were not significantly different over the 24-h period. The early microcirculatory improvement was not predictive of an improvement in acute kidney injury, length of stay, ICU, or hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Early sequential evaluation of the microcirculation in shocked patients, demonstrated statistically significant improvement in the PPV and microvascular heterogeneity with standard care. These improvements were mirrored by biomarkers of organ perfusion; however, the changes in global hemodynamics were not as pronounced in this early phase. Early improvement in the microcirculation did not predict clinical outcome.

Statistical analysis plan for the BLING III study: a phase 3 multicentre randomised controlled trial of continuous versus intermittent ß-lactam antibiotic infusion in critically ill patients with sepsis.

Background: The ß-Lactam Infusion Group (BLING) III study is a prospective, multicentre, open, phase 3 randomised controlled trial comparing continuous infusion with intermittent infusion of ß-lactam antibiotics in 7000 critically ill patients with sepsis. Objective: To describe a statistical analysis plan for the BLING III study. Methods: The statistical analysis plan was designed by the trial statistician and chief investigators and approved by the BLING III management committee before the completion of data collection. Statistical analyses for primary, secondary and tertiary outcomes and planned subgroup analyses are described in detail. Interim analysis by the Data Safety and Monitoring Committee (DSMC) has been conducted in accordance with a pre-specified DSMC charter. Results and conclusions: The statistical analysis plan for the BLING III study is published before completion of data collection and unblinding to minimise analysis bias and facilitate public access and transparent analysis and reporting of study findings. Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov Registry NCT03212990.

Protocol for an international, multicentre, prospective, observational study of nosocomial pneumonia in intensive care units: the PneumoINSPIRE study.

Background: Nosocomial pneumonia in the critical care setting is associated with increased morbidity, significant crude mortality rates and high health care costs. Ventilator-associated pneumonia represents about 80% of nosocomial pneumonia cases in intensive care units (ICUs). Wide variance in incidence of nosocomial pneumonia and diagnostic techniques used has been reported, while successful treatment remains complex and a matter of debate. Objective: To describe the epidemiology, diagnostic strategies and treatment modalities for nosocomial pneumonia in contemporary ICU settings across multiple countries around the world. Design, setting and patients: PneumoINSPIRE is a large, multinational, prospective cohort study of adult ICU patients diagnosed with nosocomial pneumonia. Participating ICUs from at least 20 countries will collect data on 10 or more consecutive ICU patients with nosocomial pneumonia. Site-specific information, including hospital policies on antibiotic therapy, will be recorded along with patient-specific data. Variables that will be explored include: aetiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns, treatment-related parameters (including time to initiation of antibiotic therapy, and empirical antibiotic choice, dose and escalation or de-escalation), pneumonia resolution, ICU and hospital mortality, and risk factors for unfavourable outcomes. The concordance of ventilator-associated pneumonia diagnosis with accepted definitions will also be assessed. Results and conclusions: PneumoINSPIRE will provide valuable information on current diagnostic and management practices relating to ICU nosocomial pneumonia, and identify research priorities in the field. Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02793141.

What the forks? A longitudinal quality improvement study tracking cutlery numbers in a public teaching and research hospital staff tearoom.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the circulation lifespan of forks and teaspoons in an institutional tearoom. DESIGN: Longitudinal quality improvement study, based on prospective tracking of marked teaspoons and forks. SETTING: Staff tearoom in a public teaching and research hospital, Brisbane. PARTICIPANTS: Tearoom patrons blinded to the purposes of the study. INTERVENTION: Stainless steel forks and teaspoons (18 each) were marked with red spots and introduced alongside existing cutlery (81 items) in the tearoom. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Twice weekly count of marked forks and teaspoons for seven weeks; baseline and end of study count of all utensils on day 45. RESULTS: The loss of marked teaspoons (six of 18) was greater than that of forks (one of 18) by the conclusion of the study period (P = 0.038). The overall rate of utensil loss was 2.2 per 100 days for teaspoons and spoons, and -2.2 per 100 days for forks and knives. CONCLUSIONS: Teaspoon disappearance is a more substantial problem than fork migration in a multidisciplinary staff tearoom, and may reflect different kleptomaniacal or individual appropriation tendencies. If giving cutlery this Christmas, give teaspoons, not forks. The symbolism of fork rebirth or resurrection is appropriate for both Christmas and Easter, and forks are also mighty useful implements for eating cake!

Bacterial Profile, Multi-Drug Resistance and Seasonality Following Lower Limb Orthopaedic Surgery in Tropical and Subtropical Australian Hospitals: An Epidemiological Cohort Study.

We aimed to describe the epidemiology, multi-drug resistance and seasonal distribution of bacteria cultured within 12 months following lower limb orthopaedic surgery in tropical and subtropical Australian hospitals between 2010 and 2017. We collected data from four tropical and two subtropical hospitals. Categorical variables were examined using the Pearson Chi-squared test or Fisher's Exact test, and continuous variables with the Student t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. A Poisson regression model was used to examine the relationship between season, weather and the incidence of Staphylococcus and nonfermentative species. We found that at tropical sites, nonfermenters (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii) were more common (28.7% vs. 21.6%, p = 0.018), and patients were more likely to culture multi-drug-resistant (MDR) nonfermenters (11.4% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.009) and MDR Staphylococcus aureus (35.9% vs. 24.6%, p = 0.006). At tropical sites, patients were more likely to be younger (65.9 years vs. 72.0, p = < 0.001), male (57.7% vs. 47.8%, p = 0.005), having knee surgery (45.3% vs. 34.5%, p = 0.002) and undergoing primary procedures (85.0% vs. 73.0%, p = < 0.001). Species were similar between seasons in both tropical and subtropical hospitals. Overall, we found that following lower limb orthopaedic surgery in tropical compared with subtropical Australia, patients were more likely to culture nonfermenters and some MDR species.

Modifiable risk factors for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infection in critically ill burn patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify potentially modifiable risk factors for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative colonization or infection in critically ill burn patients. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and Central (Cochrane). Risk factors including antibiotic use and hospital interventions were summarized in a random-effects meta-analysis. Risk of publication bias was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation method and funnel plots. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. We identified several potentially modifiable risk factors and were able to grade their importance based on effect size. Related to prior antibiotic exposure, extended-spectrum cephalosporins (pooled odds ratio (OR) 7.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.77-17.67), carbapenems (pooled OR 6.65, 95% CI 3.49-12.69), anti-pseudomonal penicillins (pooled OR 4.23, 95% CI 1.23-14.61) and aminoglycosides (pooled OR 4.20, 95% CI 2.10-8.39) were most significant. Related to hospital intervention, urinary catheters (pooled OR 11.76, 95% CI 5.03-27.51), arterial catheters (pooled OR 8.99, 95% CI 3.84-21.04), mechanical ventilation (pooled OR 5.49, 95% CI 2.59-11.63), central venous catheters (pooled OR 4.26, 95% CI 1.03-17.59), transfusion or blood product administration (pooled OR 4.19, 95% CI 1.48-11.89) and hydrotherapy (pooled OR 3.29, 95% CI 1.64-6.63) were most significant. CONCLUSION: Prior exposure to extended-spectrum cephalosporins and carbapenems, as well as the use of urinary catheters and arterial catheters pose the greatest threat for infection or colonization with multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms in the critically ill burn patient population.

Association between higher ambient temperature and orthopaedic infection rates: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Many infectious diseases display seasonal variation corresponding with particular conditions. In orthopaedics a growing body of evidence has identified surges in post-operative infection rates during higher temperature periods. The aim of this research was to collate and synthesize the current literature on this topic. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using five databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and Central (Cochrane)). Study quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation method. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated from monthly infection rates and a pooled OR was generated using the DerSimonian and Lairds method. A protocol for this review was registered with the National Institute for Health Research International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42017081871). RESULTS: Eighteen studies analysing over 19 000 cases of orthopaedic related infection met inclusion criteria. Data on 6620 cases and 9035 controls from 12 studies were included for meta-analysis. The pooled OR indicated an overall increased odds of post-operative infection for patients undergoing orthopaedic procedures during warmer periods of the year (pooled OR 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.30). CONCLUSION: A small but significantly increased odds of post-operative infection may exist for orthopaedic patients who undergo procedures during higher temperature periods. It is hypothesized that this effect is geographically dependent and confounded by meteorological factors, local cultural variables and hospital staffing cycles.

A protocol for a phase 3 multicentre randomised controlled trial of continuous versus intermittent ß-lactam antibiotic infusion in critically ill patients with sepsis: BLING III.

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE: ß-Lactam antibiotics display a time-dependent mechanism of action, with evidence suggesting improved outcomes when administering these drugs via continuous infusion compared with standard intermittent infusion. However, there is no phase 3 randomised controlled trial (RCT) evidence to support one method of administration over another in critically ill patients with sepsis. DESIGN AND SETTING: The ß-Lactam Infusion Group (BLING) III study is a prospective, multicentre, open, phase 3 RCT to compare continuous infusion with standard intermittent infusion of ß-lactam antibiotics in critically ill patients with sepsis. The study will be conducted in about 70 intensive care units (ICUs) in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Belgium and selected other countries, from 2018 to 2021. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: BLING III will recruit 7000 critically ill patients with sepsis being treated with one of two ß-lactam antibiotics (piperacillin-tazobactam or meropenem) to receive the ß-lactam antibiotic by either continuous or intermittent infusion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome is allcause mortality within 90 days after randomisation. Secondary outcomes are clinical cure at Day 14 after randomisation, new acquisition, colonisation or infection with a multiresistant organism or Clostridium difficile diarrhoea up to 14 days after randomisation, all-cause ICU mortality and all-cause hospital mortality. Tertiary outcomes are ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay and duration of mechanical ventilation and duration of renal replacement therapy up to 90 days after randomisation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The BLING III study will compare the effect on 90-day mortality of ß-lactam antibiotics administered via continuous versus intermittent infusion in 7000 critically ill patients with sepsis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03213990).

Factors affecting the performance of public out-patient services.

Objective The delivery of public out-patient services is an essential part of complex healthcare systems, but the contribution of public out-patient services is often ill defined and poorly evaluated. The aim of this study was to identify and better understand those factors that may affect the performance of out-patient services to provide health service managers, clinicians and executives with a conceptual framework for future decision-making processes. Methods The present qualitative research involved five exploratory case studies. These case studies were conducted across two specialties at hospitals in the Metro North Hospital and Health Service in Queensland. Data were obtained from 38 interviews and 15 focus groups, and were analysed to identify common themes. Further analysis helped identify the most significant factors and build a conceptual framework for understanding the relationships between those factors and their effect on performance. Results Across both specialties there were 10 factors (scheduling, performance, service framework, categorisation or prioritisation of patients, internal and external stakeholders, resources, service demand, culture, system challenges and medical stakeholders) identified that may affect the performance of out-patient services. These factors were condensed into five core domains: culture, stakeholders, resources, demand and system reform. Conclusion Strategies to address the five core domains identified may provide a framework for sustainable improvement in the delivery of out-patient services. What is known about the topic? The provision of specialist out-patient services is an essential element of health service delivery. Access to specialist services in the public sector is challenging because of the escalating demand associated with an increasing and aging demographic. The factors that may affect the delivery of out-patient services need to be addressed for long-term sustainable improvement. What does this paper add? This paper provides a conceptual framework grounded in rigorous qualitative data analysis for understanding the internal and external factors that affect waiting times for specialist out-patient services. The results of this qualitative research indicate that there are five core domains that may influence waiting times in the public out-patient setting. When these domains are addressed at the strategic, tactical and operational levels, they have the potential to provide significant improvement in the delivery of out-patient services. What are the implications for practitioners? This paper guides the attention of relevant stakeholders towards the five core domains identified (culture, stakeholders, resources, demand and system reform) that influence the performance of waiting times at the operational, tactical and strategic levels within the public hospital setting.

Perceptions of pregnant women regarding antidepressant and anxiolytic medication use during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore attitudes and decision-making by pregnant women regarding antidepressant and anxiolytic use during pregnancy. METHOD: An observational study at an outer metropolitan hospital in Brisbane, Queensland. Pregnant women presenting for their first antenatal clinic visit were invited to complete a questionnaire. Participants were asked about current or previous antidepressant/anxiolytic use, influences on drug decision-making and the adequacy of information received. Perceptions were measured on a 7-point Likert scale. RESULTS: A total of 503 pregnant women were surveyed. The background prevalence of anxiety and depression was 30.0% (151), with 9.3% (47) respondents using antidepressant or anxiolytic medications during the current pregnancy. Of these 47 women, 68% ceased these medications during or while trying to become pregnant, most commonly due to potential side effects to the baby (16), health professional advice (8) and symptomatology that was under control (7). While the effect was modest, decision-making was most strongly influenced by general practitioners, family and the internet. CONCLUSIONS: Most women cease antidepressant/anxiolytic medication before and during pregnancy for reasons other than stability of condition. This study reveals an unmet need for accessible reliable information to guide pregnant women and their care providers.

Open cholecystectomy: Exposure and confidence of surgical trainees and new fellows.

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic approach to cholecystectomy has overtaken open procedures in terms of frequency, despite open procedures playing an important role in certain clinical situations. This study explored exposure and confidence of Australasian surgical trainees and new fellows in performing an open versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was disseminated via the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons to senior general surgery trainees (years 3-5 of surgical training) and new fellows (fellowship within the previous 5 years). The survey included questions regarding level of experience and confidence in performing an open cholecystectomy and converting from a laparoscopic to an open approach. RESULTS: A total of 135 participants responded; 58 (43%) were surgical trainees, 58 (43%) were fellows and 19 (14%) did not specify their level of training. Respondents who were involved in more than 20 open cholecystectomy procedures as an assistant or independent operator compared with those less exposed were more likely to feel confident to independently perform an elective open cholecystectomy (87.8% vs. 57.3%, P = 0.001), independently convert from a laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy (87.8% vs. 58.7%, P = 0.001) and independently perform an open cholecystectomy as a surgical consultant based on their level of exposure as a trainee (73.2% vs. 45.3%, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: This study suggests the need to ensure surgical trainees are exposed to sufficient open cholecystectomies to enable confidence and skill with performing these procedures when indicated. Greater recognition of the need for exposure during training, including meaningful simulation, may assist.

Risk factors for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infection in burn patients.

BACKGROUND: Infection with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative organisms leads to poorer outcomes in the critically ill burn patient. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for MDR Gram-negative pathogen infection in critically ill burn patients admitted to a major tertiary referral intensive care unit (ICU) in Australia. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study of all adult burn patients admitted over a 7-year period was conducted. Twenty-one cases that cultured an MDR Gram-negative organism were matched with 21 controls of similar age, gender, burn size and ICU stay. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to individually assess risk factors after adjusting for Acute Burn Severity Index. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were reported. P-values < 0.25 were considered as potentially important risk factors. RESULTS: Factors increasing the risk of MDR Gram-negative infection included superficial partial thickness burn size (OR: 1.08; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.16; P-value: 0.034), prior meropenem exposure (OR: 10.39; 95% CI: 0.96-112.00; P-value: 0.054), Gram-negative colonization on admission (OR: 9.23; 95% CI: 0.65-130.15; P-value: 0.10) and escharotomy (OR: 2.66; 95% CI: 0.52-13.65; P-value: 0.24). For cases, mean age was 41 (SD: 13) years, mean total body surface area burned was 47% (SD: 18) and mean days in ICU until MDR specimen collection was 17 (SD: 10) days. CONCLUSION: Prior meropenem exposure, Gram-negative colonization on admission, escharotomy and superficial partial thickness burn size may be potentially important factors for increasing the risk of MDR Gram-negative infection in the critically ill burn patient.

Prolonged Infusion Piperacillin-Tazobactam Decreases Mortality and Improves Outcomes in Severely Ill Patients: Results of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Piperacillin-tazobactam is a commonly used antibiotic in critically ill patients; however, controversy exists as to whether mortality in serious infections can be decreased through administration by prolonged infusion compared with intermittent infusion. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to describe the impact of prolonged infusion piperacillin-tazobactam schemes on clinical endpoints in severely ill patients. DESIGN: We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis searching MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and the Cochrane Library from inception to April 1, 2017, for studies. INTERVENTIONS: Mortality rates were compared between severely ill patients receiving piperacillin-tazobactam via prolonged infusion or intermittent infusion. Included studies must have reported severity of illness scores, which were transformed into average study-level mortality probabilities. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Two investigators independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts of studies meeting inclusion criteria for this systematic review and meta-analysis. Variables included author name, publication year, study design, demographics, total daily dose(s), average estimated creatinine clearance, type of prolonged infusion, prevalence of combination therapy, severity of illness scores, infectious sources, all-cause mortality, clinical cure, microbiological cure, and hospital and ICU length of stay. The review identified 18 studies including 3,401 patients who received piperacillin-tazobactam, 56.7% via prolonged infusion. Across all studies, the majority of patients had an identified primary infectious source. Receipt of prolonged infusion was associated with a 1.46-fold lower odds of mortality (95% CI, 1.20-1.77) in the pooled analysis. Patients receiving prolonged infusion had a 1.77-fold higher odds of clinical cure (95% CI, 1.24-2.54) and a 1.22-fold higher odds of microbiological cure (95% CI, 0.84-1.77). Subanalyses were conducted according to high (≥ 20%) and low (< 20%) average study-level mortality probabilities. In studies reporting higher mortality probabilities, effect sizes were variable but similar to the pooled results. CONCLUSIONS: Receipt of prolonged infusion of piperacillin-tazobactam was associated with reduced mortality and improved clinical cure rates across diverse cohorts of severely ill patients.