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The impact of infectious diseases consultation on oncology practice
Bruno P Granwehr1, Dimitrios P Kontoyiannis
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, and Employee Health, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA. bgranweh@mdanderson.org
Purpose Of Review:
Traditional utilization of infectious diseases consultants by oncologists ranges from inpatient management of a variety of acute infectious syndromes to management of ambulatory patients with acute or chronic infections; however, there is a paucity of data to evaluate in which circumstances the impact of infectious diseases input may be most valuable.
Recent Findings:
Data derived from the general population of patients emphasize the value of infectious diseases consultation in specific infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, candidemia, and hepatitis C virus infection. In addition, infectious diseases involvement has been associated with greater adherence to guidelines (up to 34% increase), more appropriate antibiotic utilization (up to 52% increase in appropriate duration), decreased cost and complications of care, and lower mortality (up to 17% decrease). Recent studies suggest that bedside, formal infectious diseases consultation is more optimal than informal interactions (e.g., e-mail, telephone, other). Furthermore, infectious diseases consultants play central roles in antibiotic stewardship, infection control, and quality improvement, particularly in oncology centers.
Summary:
Infectious diseases consultants contribute value in various inpatient and outpatient infections, decreasing mortality, cost, and complications.
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