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Lessons from an Educational Invasive Fungal Disease Conference on Hospital Antifungal Stewardship Practices across the UK and Ireland.

Talento, Alida Fe
; 
Qualie, Malcolm
; 
Cottom, Laura
; 
Backx, Matthijs
; 
White, P Lewis
Author
Talento, Alida Fe
 Qualie, Malcolm
 Cottom, Laura
 Backx, Matthijs
 White, P Lewis
Advisors
Editors
Other Contributors
Departments
Date
2021-09-25
Date Submitted
Keywords
antifungal resistance
antifungal therapy
antimicrobial management
aspergillosis
candidiasis
DIAGNOSTICS
FUNGAL INFECTIONS
Guidelines
Surveillance
TREATMENT
Other Subjects
Subject Mesh
Planned Date
Start Date
Collaborators
Principal Investigators
Files
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jof-07-00801.pdf
Adobe PDF, 279.58 KB
Alternative Titles
Publisher
URI
https://hdl.handle.net/10147/634368
Abstract
Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a growing health burden. High mortality rates, increasing numbers of at-risk hosts, and a limited availability of rapid diagnostics and therapeutic options mean that patients are increasingly exposed to unnecessary antifungals. High rates of prescriptions promote patient exposure to undue toxicity and drive the emergence of resistance. Antifungal stewardship (AFS) aims to guide antifungal usage and reduce unnecessary exposure and antifungal consumption whilst maintaining or improving outcomes. Here, we examine several AFS approaches from hospitals across the UK and Ireland to demonstrate the benefits of AFS practices and support the broader implementation of AFS as both a necessary and achievable strategy. Since the accuracy and turnaround times (TATs) of diagnostic tools can impact treatment decisions, several AFS strategies have included the development and implementation of diagnostic-driven care pathways. AFS informed treatment strategies can help stratify patients on a risk basis ensuring the right patients receive antifungals at the optimal time. Using a multidisciplinary approach is also key due to the complexity of managing and treating patients at risk of IFD. Through knowledge sharing, such as The Gilead Antifungal Information Network (GAIN), we hope to drive practices that improve patient management and support the preservation of antifungals for future use.
Language
en
Citation
ISSN
eISSN
2309-608X
ISBN
DOI
10.3390/jof7100801
PMID
34682223
PMCID
PMC8538376
PMC8538376
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Funding Sources
Funding Amounts
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Methodology
Duration
Ethical Approval