Performance of the TREAT decision support system in an environment with a low prevalence of resistant pathogens

Kristian Kofoed, Alina Zalounina*, Ove Andersen, Gorm Lisby, Mical Paul, Leonard Leibovici, Steen Andreassen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate a decision support system (TREAT) for guidance of empirical antimicrobial therapy in an environment with a low prevalence of resistant pathogens. Methods: A retrospective trial of TREAT has been performed at Copenhagen University, Hvidovre Hospital. The cohort of patients included adults with systemic inflammation and suspicion of community-acquired bacterial infection. The empirical antimicrobial treatment recommended by TREAT was compared with the empirical antimicrobial treatment prescribed by the first attending clinical physician. Results: Out of 171 patients recruited, 161 (65 with microbiologically documented infections) fulfilled the inclusion criteria of TREAT. Coverage achieved by TREAT was significantly higher than that by clinical practice (86% versus 66%, P=0.007). There was no significant difference in the cost of future resistance between treatments chosen by TREAT and those by physicians. The direct expenses for antimicrobials were higher in TREAT when including patients without antimicrobial treatment, while there was no significant difference otherwise. The cost of side effects was significantly lower using TREAT. Conclusions: The results of the study suggest that TREAT can improve the appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy and reduce the cost of side effects in regions with a low prevalence of resistant pathogens, however, at the expense of increased use of antibiotics.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)400-404
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
Volume63
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009

Funding

FundersFunder number
Gentofte Hospital

    Keywords

    • Computerized decision support system
    • Empirical antimicrobial therapy
    • Severe infections

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