Scientific Poster Session III - Original Research

Original Research
  Monday, October 14, 2024
  01:00 PM–02:30 PM

Abstract

Introduction: Delayed antibiotic prescribing (DAP) is a promising antimicrobial stewardship strategy for reducing unnecessary antibiotic use in primary care setting.

Research Question or Hypothesis: Is delayed antibiotic prescribing effective for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and should this strategy be generalized to reduce antibiotic prescriptions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)?

Study Design: A quasi-experimental study compared two patient cohorts: one outcomes pre- DAP from September 1, 2022 to February 28, 2023, and the other assessed outcomes post-DAP implementation from October 1, 2023 to May 21, 2024.

Methods: The primary endpoint is to assess post- DAP implementation and impact on symptom resolution, infection recurrence within 30 days, and patient satisfaction. Secondary endpoint is to assess clinician satisfaction with DAP implementation.

Results: A total of 201 patients were included in the study, with 100 in the pre-DAP period and 101 in the post-DAP period. Fifty percent of patients did not receive antibiotics in the pre-DAP as compared to 1% to patients in the post-DAP (P= <.001). In the pre-DAP, 43 (43%) received immediate antibiotics, while 13 (12.9%) and 18 (17.8%) received delayed or no antibiotic treatment post-DAP, respectively. In post- DAP group, there was higher symptom resolution observed in the subset of patients who did not receive antibiotic therapy 72.2% (13/18) (p=0. 012). Infection recurrence within 30 days did not differ between the groups (p=0.207). There was no difference in patients’ satisfaction rate between delayed vs. no antibiotic use in post DAP (p=1.000). All physician 9 (100%) who encountered DAP reported satisfied.

Conclusion: This study, which is the first of its kind in the UAE, aimed to assess the efficacy of DAP. we observed a higher percentage of patients receiving antibiotics in the post-DAP as compared to the pre-DAP. Strategies at our institution should focus on further patient and prescriber education to minimize use of antibiotics in the primary care setting.

Presenting Author

Asma Binishaq B-Pharm, BCPS, BCIDP
Cleveland Clinic AbuDhabi

Authors

Emna Abidi PhD
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Rania El Lababidi PharmD, BCPS (AQ-ID), AAHIVP
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Wasim Elnekidy PharmD, BCPS, BCACP
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi