Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized adults, but there are existing processes of care that can improve clinical outcomes, according to a study published the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
The study was conducted at a 1,558-bed tertiary care teaching hospital and included adult patients hospitalized between Jan. 1, 2012, through April 30, 2013, with at least one positive blood culture with S. aureus.
Judging by the electronic medical records reviewed for the study, the researchers identified three processes of care that impacted clinical outcomes, including:
1. Timing of follow-up blood cultures
2. Consultation with an infectious diseases specialist within six days of S. aureus diagnosis
3. Use of beta-lactams in patients with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus bacteremia
"The processes of care identified in our study could serve as quality and patient safety indicators for the management of [S. aureus bacteremia]," concluded the study authors.
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