A study in International Journal of Infectious Diseases examined the effects of earlier intervention by an antimicrobial stewardship team on various factors, including antimicrobial use and cost.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study at a hospital in Japan between April 2013 and March 2016. They compared three study periods:
• SP1: Patients receiving anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus agents and carbapenems for more than 14 days
• SP2: Patients receiving specific antimicrobials for more than 14 days
• SP3: Patients receiving specific antimicrobials regardless of the duration of treatment
Here are five study findings:
1. The timing of the antimicrobial stewardship team's intervention reduced from an average of 15.5 days after administration in SP1 to 4.2 days in SP3.
2. The antimicrobial use density of carbapenems and piperacillin-tazobactam decreased significantly from SP2 to SP3.
3. The cost of specific antimicrobials decreased from $1.08 million in SP1 to $944,000 in SP2 and $763,000 in SP3.
4. The mortality rate and length of stay did not change during the study periods.