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

Purpose: 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.