Caracterización y resultados del uso de voriconazol nebulizado en un entorno real: un estudio observacional unicéntrico / Characterization and real-live results of nebulized voriconazole: A single-center observational study

Objetivo la administración de voriconazol nebulizado implica ventajas, incluyendo la optimización de la penetración pulmonar y la reducción de los efectos adversos e interacciones; sin embargo, la evidencia sobre su utilización es escasa y no existen presentaciones comerciales específicas para nebulización. Nuestro objetivo es caracterizar las soluciones de voriconazol elaboradas para nebulización y describir su uso en nuestro centro. Método estudio observacional retrospectivo incluyendo pacientes que reciben voriconazol nebulizado para el tratamiento de enfermedades pulmonares (infecciones fúngicas o colonizaciones). La solución de voriconazol se preparó a partir de los viales comerciales para la administración intravenosa. Resultados el pH y la osmolaridad de las soluciones de voriconazol fueron adecuados para su nebulización. Se incluyeron 10 pacientes, 9 adultos y un niño. La dosis fue de 40 mg en los adultos y 10 mg en el paciente pediátrico, diluido a 10 mg/ml, administrados cada 12-24 horas. La duración mediana del tratamiento fue de 139 (rango: 26-911) días. No se reportaron efectos adversos y no se detectó voriconazol en plasma cuando se administró únicamente vía nebulizada. Conclusiones la nebulización de voriconazol es bien tolerada y no se absorbe hacia la circulación sistémica. Son necesarios más estudios de investigación para evaluar su eficacia (AU)

Objective Pulmonary administration of voriconazole involves advantages, including optimization of lung penetration and reduction of adverse effects and interactions. However, there is scarce evidence about its use and there are no commercial presentations for nebulization. We aim to characterize a compounded voriconazole solution for nebulization and describe its use in our center. Method This is a retrospective observational study including patients who received nebulized voriconazole to treat fungal lung diseases (infection or colonization). Voriconazole solution was prepared from commercial vials for intravenous administration. Results The pH and osmolarity of voriconazole solutions were adequate for nebulization. Ten patients were included, nine adults and a child. The dosage was 40 mg in adults and 10 mg in the pediatric patient, diluted to a final concentration of 10 mg/ml, administered every 12-24 hours. The median duration of treatment was 139 (range: 26-911) days. There were no reported adverse effects and the drug was not detected in plasma when nebulized only. Conclusion Voriconazole nebulization is well tolerated and it is not absorbed into the systemic circulation; further research is needed to assess its efficacy (AU)

Characterization and real-live results of nebulized voriconazole: A single-center observational study. / [Artículo traducido] Caracterización y resultados del uso de voriconazol nebulizado en un entorno real: un estudio observacional unicéntrico.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary administration of voriconazole involves advantages, including optimization of lung penetration and reduction of adverse effects and interactions. However, there is scarce evidence about its use and there are no commercial presentations for nebulization. We aim to characterize a compounded voriconazole solution for nebulization and describe its use in our center. METHOD: This is a retrospective observational study including patients who received nebulized voriconazole to treat fungal lung diseases (infection or colonization). Voriconazole solution was prepared from commercial vials for intravenous administration. RESULTS: The pH and osmolarity of voriconazole solutions were adequate for nebulization. Ten patients were included, nine adults and a child. The dosage was 40 mg in adults and 10 mg in the pediatric patient, diluted to a final concentration of 10 mg/ml, administered every 12-24 hours. The median duration of treatment was 139 (range: 26-911) days. There were no reported adverse effects and the drug was not detected in plasma when nebulized only. CONCLUSION: Voriconazole nebulization is well tolerated and it is not absorbed into the systemic circulation; further research is needed to assess its efficacy.

Inhaled aztreonam lysine in the management of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with cystic fibrosis: real-life effectiveness.

BACKGROUND: Inhaled antibiotics have achieved or stabilised the clinical condition of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of aztreonam lysine inhaled solution (AZLI) in patients with CF and chronic P. aeruginosa infection. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients with CF and chronic P. aeruginosa infection who received AZLI between July 2012 and September 2018 inclusive in three Spanish hospitals in a routine clinical practice setting. The primary endpoint was the absolute change in the percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) compared with the previous 12 months, at the start of AZLI treatment and 12 months after starting the drug. Other variables analysed were exacerbations, hospitalisations, type and route of antibiotics prescribed, weight and body mass index (BMI) and adverse drug reactions. RESULTS: In a cohort of 52 patients, AZLI treatment led to stabilisation of FEV1, changing from a mean (SD) value of 55.60 (21.3)% at the start of treatment to 56.8 (20.4)% after 12 months of treatment (p=0.5296) in patients who had not previously received the drug. In addition, it significantly reduced exacerbations from a median (P25; P75) of 2.0 (1.0; 3.0) in the 12 months prior to AZLI to 1.0 (1.0; 2.0) in the 12 months after treatment initiation (p=0.0350). AZLI also reduced the need for other antibiotics and prevented a decrease in BMI, with an adequate safety profile. CONCLUSIONS: AZLI achieved stabilisation of lung function measured by FEV1 in patients with CF and chronic P. aeruginosa infection, along with an adequate safety profile.

Stability Studies of Antipseudomonal Beta Lactam Agents for Outpatient Therapy.

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is a useful treatment strategy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, it is hindered by the lack of stability data for the administration of antibiotics under OPAT conditions. Our objective was to investigate the stability of nine antipseudomonal and broad-spectrum beta lactam antibiotics (aztreonam, cefepime, cefiderocol, ceftazidime, ceftazidime/avibactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam, meropenem, meropenem/vaborbactam, and piperacillin/tazobactam) to allow the spread of OPAT programs. All the antibiotics were diluted in 500 mL 0.9% sodium chloride and stored at 4, 25, 32, and 37 °C for 72 h in two different devices (infusion bags and elastomeric pumps). The solutions were considered stable if the color, clearness, and pH remained unchanged and if the percentage of intact drug was ≥90%. All the antimicrobials remained stable 72 h under refrigerated conditions and at least 30 h at 25 °C. At 32 °C, all the antibiotics except for meropenem and meropenem/vaborbactam remained stable for 24 h or more. At 37 °C, only aztreonam, piperacillin/tazobactam, cefepime, cefiderocol, and ceftolozane/tazobactam were stable for at least 24 h. The stability results were the same in the two devices tested. All the antibiotics studied are actual alternatives for the treatment of antipseudomonal or multidrug-resistant infections in OPAT programs, although the temperature of the devices is crucial to ensure antibiotic stability.

Isavuconazole use and TDM in real-world pediatric practice.

Isavuconazole (ISA) is approved for treating invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis in adults, but its use in children remains off-label. We report on the use of ISA in real-world pediatric practice with 15 patients receiving ISA for treatment of invasive fungal infections. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) was performed in all patients, with 52/111 (46.8%) Ctrough determinations out of range, thus supporting the need for TDM in children, especially those receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Stability of temocillin in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy: is it a real option?

BACKGROUND: Temocillin is an interesting alternative to carbapenems for susceptible Enterobacteriaceae. Although its use in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) programmes has generated interest, this has been hampered by the lack of stability data. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the physical and chemical stability of temocillin at the recommended dose for its use in OPAT programmes, contained in polypropylene infusion bags or polyisoprene elastomeric devices at different temperatures, and to describe a novel LC-MS/MS developed for the quantification of temocillin. METHODS: Temocillin daily dose (6 g) was diluted in 500 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride to obtain a final concentration of 12 g/L. This solution was stored at 4°C, 25°C, 32°C and 37°C for 72 h, both in polypropylene infusion bags and in polyisoprene elastomeric pumps. Physical and chemical stability were evaluated during 72 h after manufacturing. Solutions were considered stable if colour, clearness and pH remained unchanged and if the percentage of intact drug was ≥90%. RESULTS: Temocillin attained the chemical stability criterion of ≥90% of the original concentration for the whole experiment in both devices at 4°C, 25°C and 32°C. At 37°C, temocillin was stable for 24 h but its concentration dropped below 90% from that timepoint. No precipitation occurred and minor colour changes were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Temocillin is stable under OPAT conditions and it would be an appropriate candidate for the treatment of patients who can be discharged to complete therapy in an OPAT programme. For this study, an LC-MS/MS method was developed.

Impacto del tratamiento antimicrobiano domiciliario endovenoso (TADE) como parte de un programa de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos (PROA) específico para pediatría / Impact of an outpatient parenteral antimicrobial treatment (OPAT) as part of a paediatric-specific PROA program

Introducción: El tratamiento antimicrobiano domiciliario endovenoso (TADE) es una alternativa a la hospitalización para pacientes pediátricos bien seleccionados. Presentamos un programa TADE basado en un modelo de autoadministración e integrado en el programa de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos (PROA) de un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y unicéntrico que incluye todos los pacientes menores de 20años tratados con TADE prescrito en un hospital pediátrico entre 2019 y 2020. Se analizaron los datos sobre los días de ingreso ahorrados y una estimación económica del coste oportunidad que supone el programa TADE para el hospital. Resultados: Cincuenta y siete pacientes realizaron un total de 106 episodios de tratamiento. En el 74,5% hubo una evolución clínica favorable. El principal motivo de interrupción prematura fue una mala evolución de la infección (37,1%). Se liberaron 2,62 camas diarias, suponiendo un beneficio económico de 1.069.963€. Conclusión: Un programa TADE integrado en el PROA pediátrico de nuestro hospital y basado en un modelo de autoadministración se ha mostrado un programa seguro y efectivo y aporta importantes ventajas a nivel económico.(AU)

Introduction: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial treatment (OPAT) is an alternative to in-patient care in carefully selected patients. This study presents a self-administration OPAT program integrated within the pediatric antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) in a pediatric tertiary care center. Material and methods: Descriptive, retrospective and unicentric study. Data from all patients under 20years of age who were prescribed treatment by a pediatric unit during 2019 and 2020 were included. Data regarding number of saved beds and estimating the opportunity cost of the OPAT program for the hospital were analyzed. Results: Fifty-seven patients received 106 episodes of treatment. Favorable clinical outcome occurred in 74.5% of the episodes. The main cause of premature interruption was unfavorable clinical outcome of the infection (37.1%). A total of 2.62 beds/day were saved, resulting in an economic benefit of 1,069,963€. Conclusion: A self-administration OPAT program integrated within the pediatric ASP has proven to be safe and effective and provides economic benefits.(AU)

Antimicrobial stewardship in hospitals: Expert recommendation guidance document for activities in specific populations, syndromes and other aspects (PROA-2) from SEIMC, SEFH, SEMPSPGS, SEMICYUC and SEIP / Programas de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos en hospitales: guía de recomendaciones de expertos para actividades en poblaciones específicas, síndromes y otros aspectos (PROA-2) de la SEIMC, SEFH, SEMPSPGS y SEIP

In 2012, The Spanish Societies of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), Hospital Pharmacy (SEFH), and Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Healthcare Management (SEMPSGS) lead a consensus document including recommendations for the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs (AMSP; PROA in Spanish) in acute care hospitals in Spain. While these recommendations were critical for the development of these programs in many centres, there is a need for guidance in the development of AMS activities for specific patient populations, syndromes or other specific aspects which were not included in the previous document or have developed significantly since then. The objective of this expert recommendation guidance document is to review the available information about these activities in these patient populations or circumstances, and to provide guidance recommendations about them. With this objective the SEIMC, SEFH, SEMPSPGS, the Spanish Society of Intensive Care Medicine (SEMICYUC) and the Spanish Pediatric Infectious Disease Society (SEIP) selected a panel of experts who chose the different aspects to include in the document. Because of the lack of high-level evidence in the implementation of the activities, the panel opted to perform a narrative review of the literature for the different topics for which recommendations were agreed by consensus. The document was open to public consultation for the members of these societies for their comments and suggestions, which were reviewed and considered by the panel.(AU)

En 2012, las Sociedades Españolas de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC), Farmacia Hospitalaria (SEFH) y Medicina Preventiva, Salud Pública y Gestión Sanitaria (SEMPSPGS) lideraron un documento de consenso que incluía recomendaciones para la implementación de Programas de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos (PROA) en hospitales de agudos en España. Si bien estas recomendaciones fueron críticas para el desarrollo de estos programas en muchos centros, actualmente es necesario establecer unas guías para la implementación de las actividades de los PROA en determinadas poblaciones de pacientes, síndromes clínicos y otros aspectos específicos que no se incluyeron en el documento previo o que desde entonces se han desarrollado significativamente. El objetivo de esta guía de recomendaciones de expertos es revisar la información disponible acerca de esas actividades en estas poblaciones o circunstancias de pacientes y proporcionar unas recomendaciones que sirvan de guía sobre ellas. Con este objetivo, la SEIMC, la SEFH y la SEMPSPGS, así como la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica y Unidades Coronarias (SEMICYUC) y la Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica (SEIP), seleccionaron un panel de expertos que eligieron los diferentes aspectos a incluir en el documento. Debido a la ausencia de evidencia de alto nivel en la implementación de las diferentes actividades, el panel optó por realizar una revisión narrativa de la literatura de los diferentes aspectos, en los que las recomendaciones se acordaron por consenso. El documento se abrió para consulta pública a los miembros de estas sociedades para sus comentarios y sugerencias, que fueron revisadas y consideradas por el panel.(AU)

Stability of Ampicillin plus Ceftriaxone Combined in Elastomeric Infusion Devices for Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy.

Currently, ampicillin plus ceftriaxone (AC) is one of the preferred treatments for Enterococcus faecalis infective endocarditis. However, there is a lack of stability data for the combination of both drugs in elastomeric devices, so the inclusion of AC in Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) programs is challenging. The objective of the study was to determine the stability of AC in elastomeric pumps when stored at 8 ± 2 °C, 25 ± 2 °C, 30 ± 2 °C and 37 ± 2 °C using LC-MS/MS. The combination was diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride and the final concentrations were ampicillin 24 g/L plus ceftriaxone 8 g/L. Physical and chemical stability were evaluated at 12, 20, 24, 36 and 48 h after preparation. Stability was met at each time point if the percentage of intact drug was ≥90% of its respective baseline concentration and color and clearness remained unchanged. The drug combination was stable for 48 h when it was kept at 8 ± 2 °C. At 25 ± 2 °C and 30 ± 2 °C, they were stable for 24 h of storage. At 37 ± 2 °C, the stability criterion was not met at any time point. These results prove that AC could be included in OPAT programs using elastomeric infusion devices for the treatment of E. faecalis infections.

Assessment of the Plans to Optimize Antimicrobial Use in the Pediatric Population in Catalan Hospitals: The VINCat Pediatric PROA SHARP Survey.

In Spain, many programs have been introduced in recent years to optimize antimicrobial stewardship in pediatric care (known as pediatric PROA). However, information on the current situation of these programs is scarce. The present study assesses current antimicrobial use in pediatric care in the hospitals of Catalonia affiliated with the VINCat pediatric PROA group. Between December 2020 and January 2021, an electronic survey related to the design and use of PROA was administered to members of PROA teams in our hospital network. The survey was conducted at 26 hospitals. Twelve percent of the hospitals had pediatric PROA in operation, 42% were included in adult PROA, and 46% carried out pediatric PROA activities but not as part of an established program. At 81%, the pediatric PROA team included a pediatrician, in 58% a pharmacist, and in 54% a microbiologist. The main activities were monitoring the use of antimicrobials and bacterial resistance. Twenty-seven percent measured indicators regularly. The VINCat Pediatric PROA group's hospitals have implemented measures for optimizing antimicrobial stewardship, but few have a pediatric PROA program in place. Specific measures and indicators must be defined, and the resources available should be increased. The development of pediatric PROA should be monitored in the coming years.

Antimicrobial stewardship in hospitals: Expert recommendation guidance document for activities in specific populations, syndromes and other aspects (PROA-2) from SEIMC, SEFH, SEMPSPGS, SEMICYUC and SEIP.

In 2012, The Spanish Societies of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), Hospital Pharmacy (SEFH), and Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Healthcare Management (SEMPSGS) lead a consensus document including recommendations for the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs (AMSP; PROA in Spanish) in acute care hospitals in Spain. While these recommendations were critical for the development of these programs in many centres, there is a need for guidance in the development of AMS activities for specific patient populations, syndromes or other specific aspects which were not included in the previous document or have developed significantly since then. The objective of this expert recommendation guidance document is to review the available information about these activities in these patient populations or circumstances, and to provide guidance recommendations about them. With this objective the SEIMC, SEFH, SEMPSPGS, the Spanish Society of Intensive Care Medicine (SEMICYUC) and the Spanish Pediatric Infectious Disease Society (SEIP) selected a panel of experts who chose the different aspects to include in the document. Because of the lack of high-level evidence in the implementation of the activities, the panel opted to perform a narrative review of the literature for the different topics for which recommendations were agreed by consensus. The document was open to public consultation for the members of these societies for their comments and suggestions, which were reviewed and considered by the panel.

Impact of an outpatient parenteral antimicrobial treatment (OPAT) as part of a paediatric-specific PROA program.

INTRODUCTION: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial treatment (OPAT) is an alternative to in-patient care in carefully selected patients. This study presents a self-administration OPAT program integrated within the pediatric antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) in a pediatric tertiary care center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, retrospective and unicentric study. Data from all patients under 20 years of age who were prescribed treatment by a pediatric unit during 2019 and 2020 were included. Data regarding number of saved beds and estimating the opportunity cost of the OPAT program for the hospital were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients received 106 episodes of treatment. Favorable clinical outcome occurred in 74.5% of the episodes. The main cause of premature interruption was unfavorable clinical outcome of the infection (37.1%). A total of 2.62 beds/day were saved, resulting in an economic benefit of 1,069,963 €. CONCLUSION: A self-administration OPAT program integrated within the pediatric ASP has proven to be safe and effective and provides economic benefits.

Implementation of pharmaceutical care through Telepharmacy: A guide for professionals and patients.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a practical guide for the implementation and use of  Pharmaceutical Care through Telepharmacy by healthcare professionals and  patients in its different scopes of application. To establish a definition of  Telepharmacy and describe the technological tools necessary, advantages, and  keys to facilitating its implementation. METHOD: Between December 2020 and January 2021, the Board of Directors of the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy, along with the coordinators of the  project "Outpatient Care Strategies" ("Mapa Estratégico para la Atención al  Paciente Externo") designed a strategy to foster the development and  expansion of Telepharmacy in Spain. This strategy involved four courses of  action. To develop the first course of action, a call was made in March 2021  among the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy members to develop seven  methodological guidelines. The purpose of these documents was to meet the  needs for the implementation of Telepharmacy, the most relevant being the  development of specific guides for professionals and patients. The guides were  developed in four stages between May and October 2021, including a literature review; consensus-based interviews, online workshops, and, finally, the  drafting and validation of the final documents. Once the final draft was  prepared, a public evaluation of suggestions and observations was performed  for a month. The documents were also presented to the Patient Committee of  the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy. RESULTS: The Guide for Professionals provides guidelines for the development and implementation of Telepharmacy in its different scopes of  application. These guides provide a description of specific goals, healthcare benefits, tools required, and keys to the implementation of  Telepharmacy. The Guide for Patients is complementary to face-to-face  pharmaceutical care from the point of view of the patient, with special  emphasis being placed on the most frequently used tools, the potential  benefits, and the keys to facilitating patients' understanding of the purpose  and use of Telepharmacy. CONCLUSIONS: A Practical Guide for Professionals and Patients was developed to ensure the standard development, implementation, and spread of Telepharmacy in all its scopes. This guide is intended to help Hospital Pharmacy professionals benefit from Telepharmacy as a  complementary tool to face-to-face pharmaceutical care.

OBJETIVO: Desarrollar una guía práctica sobre atención farmacéutica mediante  Telefarmacia para profesionales y pacientes, en cada uno de sus ámbitos de  aplicación. Definir en qué consiste, las herramientas utilizadas, los potenciales  beneficios y las claves para facilitar su comprensión.Método: Entre diciembre de 2020 y enero de 2021, la Junta directiva de la  Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria, junto con coordinadores del  proyecto "Mapa Estratégico para la Atención al Paciente Externo", diseñaron  una estrategia para favorecer el desarrollo y expansión de la Telefarmacia en  España. Esta estrategia incluyó cuatro líneas de actuación. Para el desarrollo  de la primera, en marzo de 2021 se llevó a cabo una convocatoria dirigida a los socios de la Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria con objeto de  desarrollar siete documentos de apoyo metodológico destinados a cubrir las  necesidades para la implantación de la Telefarmacia, entre las cuales se  consideraron como claves el desarrollo de una guía específica para  profesionales y otra para pacientes. Las guías se desarrollaron en cuatro fases  entre mayo y octubre de 2021: revisión de literatura, entrevistas de consenso,  desarrollo de improtalleres de trabajo online y debate y, por último,  laboración y validación de los documentos finales. Una vez elaborado el borrador  definitivo se llevó a cabo una valoración pública de sugerencias y alegaciones durante un mes, así como una presentación al comité de pacientes de la Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: La guía para profesionales se ha orientado para dar las pautas  para el desarrollo e implementación de programas de Telefarmacia en cada uno de sus ámbitos de aplicación. Está estructurada de forma que resalte los  objetivos concretos, los beneficios asistenciales, las herramientas necesarias,  así como las claves para implantarla. La guía para pacientes se ha desarrollado como herramienta complementaria a la atención farmacéutica presencial desde la visión del paciente, destacando las herramientas más comúnmente  utilizadas, los potenciales beneficios y las claves para facilitar la comprensión  sobre la finalidad y uso de estas intervenciones. CONCLUSIONES: Se ha desarrollado una guía práctica de apoyo, tanto a profesionales como a pacientes, para estandarizar el desarrollo, implantación  y expansión de la Telefarmacia en todos sus ámbitos de  actuación. La guía pretende ayudar al colectivo de farmacia hospitalaria a  alcanzar los potenciales beneficios de una herramienta que se presenta como  complementaria a la atención farmacéutica presencial.

Guía de implementación de la atención farmacéutica mediante Telefarmacia para profesionales y pacientes / Implementation of pharmaceutical care through Telepharmacy: A guide for professionals and patients

Objetivo: Desarrollar una guía práctica sobre atención farmacéuticamediante Telefarmacia para profesionales y pacientes, en cada uno desus ámbitos de aplicación. Definir en qué consiste, las herramientas utilizadas, los potenciales beneficios y las claves para facilitar su comprensión.Método: Entre diciembre de 2020 y enero de 2021, la Junta directivade la Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria, junto con coordinadores del proyecto “Mapa Estratégico para la Atención al PacienteExterno”, diseñaron una estrategia para favorecer el desarrollo y expansión de la Telefarmacia en España. Esta estrategia incluyó cuatro líneasde actuación. Para el desarrollo de la primera, en marzo de 2021 sellevó a cabo una convocatoria dirigida a los socios de la SociedadEspañola de Farmacia Hospitalaria con objeto de desarrollar siete documentos de apoyo metodológico destinados a cubrir las necesidades parala implantación de la Telefarmacia, entre las cuales se consideraron comoclaves el desarrollo de una guía específica para profesionales y otra parapacientes. Las guías se desarrollaron en cuatro fases entre mayo y octubrede 2021: revisión de literatura, entrevistas de consenso, desarrollo de talleres de trabajo online y debate y, por último, elaboración y validación de los documentos finales. Una vez elaborado el borrador definitivose llevó a cabo una valoración pública de sugerencias y alegacionesdurante un mes, así como una presentación al comité de pacientes de laSociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria.(AU)

Objective: To provide a practical guide for the implementation and useof Pharmaceutical Care through Telepharmacy by healthcare professionals and patients in its different scopes of application. To establish a definition of Telepharmacy and describe the technological tools necessary,advantages, and keys to facilitating its implementation.Method: Between December 2020 and January 2021, the Board ofDirectors of the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy, along with thecoordinators of the project “Outpatient Care Strategies” (“Mapa Estratégico para la Atención al Paciente Externo”) designed a strategy to fosterthe development and expansion of Telepharmacy in Spain. This strategyinvolved four courses of action. To develop the first course of action, acall was made in March 2021 among the Spanish Society of HospitalPharmacy members to develop seven methodological guidelines. The purpose of these documents was to meet the needs for the implementationof Telepharmacy, the most relevant being the development of specificguides for professionals and patients. The guides were developed in fourstages between May and October 2021, including a literature review; consensus-based interviews, online workshops, and, finally, the draftingand validation of the final documents. Once the final draft was prepared,a public evaluation of suggestions and observations was performed for amonth. The documents were also presented to the Patient Committee of theSpanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy. (AU)

PAUSATE Study: Prevalence and appropriateness of the use of antimicrobials in Spanish hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and appropriateness of antimicrobial use in Spanish hospitals through a pharmacist-led systematic cross-sectional review. METHOD: A nationwide multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted on  10% of the patients admitted to the participating hospitals on one day in April  2021. Hospital participation was voluntary, and the population was randomly  selected. The study sample was made up of patients who, on the day of the  study, received at least one antimicrobial belonging to groups J01, J02, J04,  J05AB, J05AD or J05AH in the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification  System. The pharmacist in charge made a record and carried out an evaluation  of the appropriateness of antimicrobial use following a method  proposed and validated by the Pharmaceutical Care of Patients with Infectious  Diseases Working Group of the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy. The  evaluation method considered each of the items comprising antimicrobial  prescriptions. An algorithm was used to assess prescriptions as appropriate,  suboptimal, inappropriate and unevaluableResults: One-hundred three hospitals participated in the study and the treatment of 3,568 patients was reviewed. A total of 1,498 (42.0%) patients received antimicrobial therapy, 424 (28.3%) of them in  combination therapy. The most commonly prescribed antimicrobials were  moxicillin-clavulanic acid (7.2%), ceftriaxone (6.4%), piperacillin-tazobactam  (5.8%), and meropenem 4.0%. As regards appropriateness,  prescriptions were considered appropriate in 34% of cases, suboptimal in 45%,  inappropriate in 19% and unevaluable in 2%. The items that most  influenced the assessment of a prescription as suboptimal were completeness  f medical record entries, choice of agent, duration of treatment and monitoring of efficacy and safety. The item that most influences the  assessment of a prescription as inappropriate was the indication of  ntimicrobial agent. Conclusions: The method used provided information on the prevalence and  appropriateness of the use of antimicrobials, a preliminary step in the design  and implementation of actions aimed at measuring the impact of the use of  ntimicrobials within the antimicrobial stewardship programs.

OBJETIVO: Conocer la prevalencia y el grado de adecuación del uso de  antimicrobianos en los hospitales españoles mediante una revisión sistemática  transversal realizada por farmacéuticos.Método: Estudio multicéntrico, nacional, transversal sobre el 10% de los pacientes ingresados en los hospitales participantes un día del mes de abril  de 2021. La participación de los hospitales fue voluntaria y la selección de la  población aleatoria. De la población se disgregó la muestra de estudio,  constituida por los pacientes que recibían el día del corte al menos un  antimicrobiano perteneciente a los grupos J01, J02, J04, J05AB, J05AD y  J05AH del Sistema de Clasificación Anatómica, Terapéutica y Química. Sobre la  muestra de estudio, el farmacéutico realizó un registro y evaluación de la  adecuación del tratamiento antimicrobiano siguiendo una metódica propuesta y  validada por el Grupo de trabajo de Atención Farmacéutica al Paciente con  nfermedad Infecciosa de la Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria. La  metódica de evaluación consideró cada una de las dimensiones que conforman  la prescripción del antimicrobiano e incluyó un algoritmo para calificar la  prescripción global como adecuada, mejorable, inadecuada y no valorable. RESULTADOS: Participaron 103 hospitales y se revisó el tratamiento de 3.568  pacientes, de los que 1.498 (42,0%) recibieron terapia antimicrobiana, 424  (28,3%) en combinación. La prevalencia de los antimicrobianos más frecuentes  fue: amoxicilina-clavulánico 7,2%, ceftriaxona 6,4%, piperacilina- tazobactam 5,8% y meropenem 4,0%. Respecto a la adecuación del  tratamiento la prescripción, fue considerada adecuada en el 34% de los casos,  mejorable en el 45%, inadecuada en el 19% y no valorable en el 2%. Las  dimensiones que más influyeron en la calificación de la prescripción como  mejorable fueron el registro en la historia clínica, la elección del agente, la  duración del tratamiento y la monitorización de la eficacia y seguridad, y como  inadecuada la indicación de antimicrobiano. CONCLUSIONES: La metódica utilizada permite conocer la prevalencia y  adecuación del uso de antimicrobianos, paso previo para diseñar y emprender  acciones de mejora y medir el impacto de su implantación en el marco de los  programas de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos.

Estudio PAUSATE: Prevalencia y adecuación del uso hospitalario de antimicrobianos en España / PAUSATE Study: Prevalence and appropriateness of the use of antimicrobials in Spanish hospitals

Objetivo: Conocer la prevalencia y el grado de adecuación del usode antimicrobianos en los hospitales españoles mediante una revisiónsistemática transversal realizada por farmacéuticos.Método: Estudio multicéntrico, nacional, transversal sobre el 10% de lospacientes ingresados en los hospitales participantes un día del mes deabril de 2021. La participación de los hospitales fue voluntaria y la selección de la población aleatoria. De la población se disgregó la muestrade estudio, constituida por los pacientes que recibían el día del corte almenos un antimicrobiano perteneciente a los grupos J01, J02, J04, J05AB,J05AD y J05AH del Sistema de Clasificación Anatómica, Terapéutica yQuímica. Sobre la muestra de estudio, el farmacéutico realizó un registroy evaluación de la adecuación del tratamiento antimicrobiano siguiendouna metódica propuesta y validada por el Grupo de trabajo de AtenciónFarmacéutica al Paciente con Enfermedad Infecciosa de la Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria. La metódica de evaluación consideró cadauna de las dimensiones que conforman la prescripción del antimicrobiano eincluyó un algoritmo para calificar la prescripción global como adecuada,mejorable, inadecuada y no valorable. (AU)

Objective: To determine the prevalence and appropriateness of antimicrobial use in Spanish hospitals through a pharmacist-led systematiccross-sectional review.Method: A nationwide multicenter cross-sectional study was conductedon 10% of the patients admitted to the participating hospitals on one dayin April 2021. Hospital participation was voluntary, and the populationwas randomly selected. The study sample was made up of patients who,on the day of the study, received at least one antimicrobial belonging togroups J01, J02, J04, J05AB, J05AD or J05AH in the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. The pharmacist in charge madea record and carried out an evaluation of the appropriateness of antimicrobial use following a method proposed and validated by the Pharmaceutical Care of Patients with Infectious Diseases Working Group of theSpanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy. The evaluation method consideredeach of the items comprising antimicrobial prescriptions. An algorithm wasused to assess prescriptions as appropriate, suboptimal, inappropriateand unevaluable. (AU)