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The impact of same-day tests versus traditional overnight testing
1Department of Pathology, Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital, Syracuse, NY 13210.
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing offers valuable data for patient care. However, clinicians hesitate to alter empiric therapies, necessitating strategies to improve antimicrobial use and control costs.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Technological advancements have introduced rapid reporting methods in clinical microbiology.
- Rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) provides critical data for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore reasons for clinician reluctance in modifying empiric therapies despite rapid AST results.
- To discuss strategies for optimizing antimicrobial agent utilization and cost control in hospitals.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on rapid AST methods.
- Analysis of factors influencing clinical decision-making regarding antimicrobial therapy.
- Exploration of hospital-based antimicrobial stewardship strategies.
Main Results:
- Rapid AST results are available but not consistently used to guide therapy changes.
- Clinician inertia and other factors contribute to the underutilization of rapid susceptibility data.
- Effective strategies are needed to bridge the gap between data availability and clinical practice.
Conclusions:
- Despite rapid diagnostic capabilities, significant challenges remain in optimizing antimicrobial prescribing.
- Implementing targeted interventions can improve the judicious use of antimicrobials and manage healthcare costs.
- Further research and education are crucial for enhancing the impact of rapid AST on patient outcomes.