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Impact of the French Infectious Diseases Society's (SPILF) proposals for shorter antibiotic therapies

G Macheda1, A Luc2, G Béraud3

  • 1Infectious diseases department, université de Lorraine, CHRU de Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France.

Medecine Et Maladies Infectieuses
|July 29, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

French infection specialists increasingly advised shorter antibiotic therapy durations between 2016 and 2018. This shift aligns with new guidelines, indicating a positive impact on antibiotic stewardship practices.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Stewardship
  • Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

  • Antibiotic therapy duration is a key component of antimicrobial stewardship.
  • Variability in recommended durations can impact treatment outcomes and resistance.
  • Understanding specialist practices is crucial for optimizing antibiotic use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare French infection specialists' antibiotic therapy duration recommendations in 2016 versus 2018.
  • To assess the influence of updated guidelines on specialist practices.

Main Methods:

  • Two identical surveys administered to hospital-based infection specialists in 2016 and 2018.
  • Surveys included 15 clinical vignettes assessing usual and shortest recommended antibiotic therapy durations.
  • Participants were medical physicians and pharmacists advising on antibiotic prescriptions.

Main Results:

  • A significant increase in advising shorter antibiotic durations was observed in 2018 (71%) compared to 2016 (46%).
  • Guideline adherence for fixed durations rose from 21% in 2016 to 77% in 2018.
  • Awareness of the 2017 SPILF guidelines was high among specialists in 2018 (89%).

Conclusions:

  • The introduction of guidelines advocating shorter antibiotic therapy durations positively influenced specialist practices.
  • These findings suggest successful implementation of evidence-based recommendations in clinical settings.
  • Optimized antibiotic prescribing through guideline adoption can enhance antimicrobial stewardship.
Keywords:
AntibioticAntibiotic stewardshipAntibiotiqueBon usage des antibiotiquesGuidelinesRecommandations

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