Hospital physicians’ experiences with procalcitonin – implications for antimicrobial stewardship; a qualitative study

BMC Infectious Diseases

Jon Birger Haug¹  Ingrid Christensen¹  Dag Berild²  Lars-Petter Jelsness-Jørgensen³  Jørgen Vildershøj Bjørnholt⁴ 

[1] Department of INFECTION Control, Østfold Hospital Trust;Department of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital;Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Østfold University College;Oslo University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine;

关键词: Antimicrobial stewardship;    Procalcitonin;    Hospital physicians;    Semi-structured interviews;    Qualitative study;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12879-020-05246-6

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Procalcitonin is an inflammatory biomarker that is sensitive for bacterial infections and a promising clinical decision aid in antimicrobial stewardship programs. However, there are few studies of physicians’ experiences concerning the use of PCT. The objective of this study was to investigate whether hospital physicians’ experience with procalcitonin after 18 months of use can inform the PCT implementation in antimicrobial stewardship programs. Materials/methods We deployed a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with 14 hospital physicians who had experience with procalcitonin in clinical practice. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Physicians reported a knowledge gap, which made them uncertain about the appropriate procalcitonin use, interpretation, and trustworthiness. Simultaneously, the physicians experienced procalcitonin as a useful clinical decision aid but emphasised that their clinical evaluation of the patient was the most important factor when deciding on antibiotic treatment. Conclusions Procalcitonin was regarded a helpful clinical tool, but the physicians called for more knowledge about its appropriate uses. Active implementation of unambiguous procalcitonin algorithms and physician education may enhance the utility of the test as an antimicrobial stewardship adjunct.

【 授权许可】

Unknown