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Optimizing delivery of care for patients with MRSA infection: focus on transitions of care
Peggy S McKinnon1, Amanda J Boening, Alpesh N Amin
1University of California-Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus is among the most prevalent pathogens isolated from hospitalized patients; those infected with methicillin-resistant strains have longer hospital stays and higher total costs compared with those infected by methicillin-susceptible strains. A multidisciplinary team of health care providers, including hospitalists and other hospital-based physicians, clinical pharmacists, infectious disease specialists, infection control professionals, and case managers, is key to improving treatment and outcomes in these patients. Optimizing transitions of care for hospitalized patients with S aureus infections can improve quality and reduce total costs of care. Hospital length of stay can be shortened by initiating timely, appropriate empiric therapy and by transitioning suitable patients to outpatient antimicrobial therapy. The number of hospitalizations can be reduced by identifying patients who are suitable candidates for initial outpatient antimicrobial therapy. Consistent with good antimicrobial stewardship, the risk of resistance can be minimized by de-escalating empiric therapy to a more narrow-spectrum agent once culture and susceptibility testing results are known. There are several antimicrobial agents available for the management of S aureus infections, including methicillin-resistant S aureus. Consideration of these agents' characteristics may facilitate optimal transition of patients through health care settings.
Insights
Optimizing care for Staphylococcus aureus infections, especially methicillin-resistant strains, reduces hospital stays and costs. A multidisciplinary team approach and timely antimicrobial therapy transitions improve patient outcomes and antimicrobial stewardship.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Administration
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus, particularly methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA), is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections.
- MRSA infections are associated with increased hospital length of stay and higher healthcare costs compared to methicillin-susceptible strains.
- Effective management requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach involving various healthcare professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of optimizing transitions of care for hospitalized patients with S. aureus infections.
- To discuss strategies for improving treatment outcomes and reducing healthcare costs associated with S. aureus.
- To emphasize the role of antimicrobial stewardship in managing S. aureus infections and minimizing resistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of current practices in managing S. aureus infections in hospitalized patients.
- Analysis of the impact of multidisciplinary team involvement on patient outcomes.
- Evaluation of strategies for optimizing antimicrobial therapy, including empiric treatment and de-escalation.
- Assessment of transition of care protocols, including outpatient antimicrobial therapy.
Main Results:
- A multidisciplinary team approach is crucial for improving treatment and outcomes in patients with S. aureus infections.
- Optimizing transitions of care can lead to improved quality and reduced total costs.
- Timely initiation of appropriate empiric therapy and transition to outpatient antimicrobial therapy can shorten hospital stays.
- De-escalation of therapy based on susceptibility results minimizes resistance risk and aligns with antimicrobial stewardship.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing care transitions and antimicrobial strategies for S. aureus infections can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare expenditures.
- A collaborative, multidisciplinary team is essential for effective management of S. aureus infections.
- Implementing evidence-based practices in antimicrobial use and patient management is key to combating resistance and improving efficiency.
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