What question did this study set out to answer?

This initiative aimed to improve communication and management of bacteremia through real-time data in an antimicrobial stewardship program.

January 14, 2026Open Access

P-982. Stewards working smarter not harder: Improving cross-disciplinary communication in bacteremia management

Key Points

This initiative aimed to improve communication and management of bacteremia through real-time data in an antimicrobial stewardship program.
Implemented real-time alerts for positive blood cultures
Utilized a shared electronic platform for clinical coordination
Involved ID Physicians, Pharmacists, and Microbiologists in decision-making
Monitored engagement activities on the platform for feedback
Over 487 bacteremic episodes tracked from 1200+ cultures among veterans
Demonstrated a 60% decrease in PCR approvals (P=0.009)
Trended towards increased recommendations for therapy de-escalation (30%)
Noted fewer deaths at 7 and 60 days post-culture (50%↓ and 15%↓)

Abstract

Abstract Background Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASP) respond to real-time data and transmit critical information in patient-level and programmatic interventions across healthcare settings. Our ASP created a sustainable, more efficient workflow for positive blood cultures by leveraging existing electronic platforms to manage real-time data and coordinate clinical management. Methods Real-time alerts for positive blood cultures (TheraDoc, DSS Inc) were transferred to a shared secure electronic platform approved for interinstitutional patient-care 5/2022-12/2024 from inpatient, outpatient, long-term care and dialysis units at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. ID Physicians, ID Fellows, Pharmacists and Microbiologists participated in this quality improvement initiative. A PCR array for blood (BioFire, Inc) was introduced onto existing organism identification technology (Sepsityper and MALDI, Bruker Inc) when rapid detection of MDR genes in E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, E. faecalis might change management. lab posted real-time updates; ASP reviewed therapy and prioritized referrals to ID for serious pathogens or any organism where intensive care required. Results 487 bacteremic episodes were posted from 1200 + cultures in 321 unique veterans; patients were largely male, older and 1 in 4 experienced 1 episode (98%, 72±13y). Over the period of observation, the continuously maintained secure thread averaged 40 engagement activities (post/reply/reaction) monthly with 15 active users. With preliminary and early results shared directly via thread, stewards advocated for ID consultation and guided therapy choice. By 2024 there was a 60% decrease in PCRs approved (P=0.009) and the acceptance of recommendation to de-escalate based on pre decisional PCR trended higher (30% ↑, P=0.45). Along with other ASP measures and more ID involvement, a trend over time was seen in fewer deaths 7 and 60 days from + culture (50%↓ and 15%↓, P=NS) Conclusion The electronic platform promoted active engagement between users and was a sustainable method of cross-disciplinary communication for critical laboratory information. The burden of duplicative efforts was reduced. Stewards prioritized time for consultation, therapy appropriateness, and had more time to communicate with non-ID staff. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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