Developing an intervention package to optimise the management of vancomycin therapy using theory informed co-design

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Health Services Research
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Suboptimal vancomycin management persists despite guidelines, impacting patient mortality and morbidity.
• Achieving target therapeutic concentrations early is crucial for vancomycin efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement interventions for optimizing vancomycin therapy management.
• To utilize a co-design process for creating a theory-informed intervention package.

Main Methods:

• A multiple-methods study involving baseline audits, stakeholder interviews, and mapping to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).
• Co-design sessions prioritized behavioral modifiers and implementation strategies.
• Intervention package implemented across four teaching hospitals and subsequently Queensland Health.

Main Results:

• Clinicians favored multifaceted, discipline-tailored interventions and training to improve guideline adherence.
• The co-design process yielded a theory-informed intervention package.
• Intervention strategies showed variation in frequency and popularity of use.

Conclusions:

• A theory-informed, participatory approach facilitated intervention development aligned with stakeholder priorities.
• The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) provided a structured method for creating acceptable and useful intervention content.
• This approach shows potential for improving vancomycin management.