Infectious diseases consultation improves key performance metrics in the management of bacteremia: A multicentre cohort study.

BACKGROUND

bacteremia (SAB) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We sought to identify factors associated with infectious diseases consultation (IDC) and understand how IDC associates with SAB patient management and outcomes.

METHODS

A multicentre retrospective study was performed between 2012 and 2014 in a large Canadian Health Zone in order to determine factors associated with IDC and performance of key quality of care determinants in SAB management and clinical outcomes. Factors subject to quality of care determinants were established a priori and studied for associations with IDC and 30-day all-cause mortality using multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

Of 961 SAB episodes experienced by 892 adult patients, 605 episodes received an IDC. Patients receiving IDC were more likely to have prosthetic valves and joints and to have community-acquired and known sources of SAB, but increasing age decreased IDC occurrence. IDC was the strongest independent predictor for quality of care performance metrics, including repeat blood cultures and echocardiography. Mortality at 30 days was 20% in the cohort, and protective factors included IDC, achievement of source control, targeted therapy within 48 hours, and follow-up blood cultures but not the performance of echocardiography.

CONCLUSIONS

There were significant gaps between the treatments and investigations that patients actually received for SAB and what is considered the optimal management of their condition. IDC is associated with improved attainment of targeted SAB quality of care determinants and reduced mortality rates. Based on our findings, we propose a policy of mandatory IDC for all cases of SAB to improve patient management and outcomes.