Impact of Multidisciplinary Collaboration on Microbiological Specimen Submission and Appropriate Use of Carbapenems: A Pre-Post Cohort Study

Abstract

Qi Zou,1 Yatong Zhang,2 Xiaoman Ai,3 Xiaoming Tan,4 Xia Wang,5 Ji Luo,6 Meng Cai1 1Department of Infection Control, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Infectious Disease, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Nursing, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Medical Affairs, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Qi Zou, Department of Infection Control, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1, Dahua Road, Dongdan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, People’s Republic of China, Email [email protected] Meng Cai, Department of Infection Control, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1, Dahua Road, Dongdan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, People’s Republic of China, Email [email protected]: This study assessed the impact of multidisciplinary collaborative management on microbiological specimen submission rates and the rational use of carbapenem antibiotics.Patients and Methods: A pre- and post-intervention cohort design was employed. From February to November 2024, a multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship intervention was implemented for hospitalized patients receiving carbapenem antibiotics. Patients treated in January 2024 served as the control group, and those in November 2024 formed the intervention group.Results: Following the intervention, the pathogen testing rate among patients receiving carbapenem treatment increased significantly from 64.76% to 74.27% (p = 0.042), with the most notable improvement in the surgical ward (36.84% to 66.07%, p < 0.001). The blood culture qualification rate increased from 34.29% to 60.47% (p = 0.009), and the blood culture submission rate also increased from 2.86% to 16.02%, (p < 0.001). Additionally, there were improvements in the targeted therapy, rational antibiotics use, and treatment adjustments based on sensitivity results. However, no significant change was observed in the detection rate of hospital-acquired carbapenem-resistant pathogens (0.46% vs 0.35%, p = 0.341).Conclusion: A multidisciplinary, information-based intervention significantly improved pathogen testing and promoted more rational carbapenem use, highlighting the value of collaborative antimicrobial stewardship.Keywords: carbapenem, antimicrobial stewardship, pathogen testing, multidisciplinary team, intervention

Keywords

• Carbapenem
• Antimicrobial Stewardship
• Pathogen Testing
• Multidisciplinary Team
• Intervention