Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Frontline providers frequently make time-sensitive antibiotic choices, but many feel poorly equipped to handle antibiotic allergies.Objective
We hypothesized that a digital decision support tool could improve antibiotic selection and confidence when managing β-lactam allergies.Methods
A digital decision support tool was designed to guide non-allergist providers in managing patients with β-lactam allergy labels. Non-allergists were asked to make decisions in clinical test cases without the tool, and then with it. These decisions were compared using paired t tests. Users also completed surveys assessing their confidence in managing antibiotic allergies.Results
The tool's algorithm was validated by confirming its recommendations aligned with that of five allergists. Non-allergist providers (n = 102) made antibiotic management decisions in test cases, both with and without the tool. Use of the tool increased the proportion of correct decisions from 0.41 to 0.67, a difference of 0.26 (95% CI, 0.22-0.30; P < .001). Users were more likely to give full-dose antibiotics in low-risk situations, give challenge doses in medium-risk situations, and avoid the antibiotic and/or consult allergy departments in high-risk situations. A total of 98 users (96%) said the tool would increase their confidence when choosing antibiotics for patients with allergies.Conclusions
A point-of-care clinical decision tool provides allergist-designed guidance for non-allergists and is a scalable system for addressing antibiotic allergies, irrespective of allergist availability. This tool encouraged appropriate antibiotic use in low- and medium-risk situations and increased caution in high-risk situations. A digital support tool should be considered in quality improvement and antibiotic stewardship efforts.
SUBMITTER: Dunham TB
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10085826 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Dunham Theresa B TB Gardner Rebecca M RM Lippner Elizabeth A EA Fasani Danielle E DE Moir Elwyn E Halpern-Felsher Bonnie B Sundaram Vandana V Liu Anne Y AY
The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice 20230201 4
<h4>Background</h4>Frontline providers frequently make time-sensitive antibiotic choices, but many feel poorly equipped to handle antibiotic allergies.<h4>Objective</h4>We hypothesized that a digital decision support tool could improve antibiotic selection and confidence when managing β-lactam allergies.<h4>Methods</h4>A digital decision support tool was designed to guide non-allergist providers in managing patients with β-lactam allergy labels. Non-allergists were asked to make decisions in cli ...[more]