Blood culture findings as tools for clinical management and patient safety

• Published in: Revista Prevenção de Infecção e Saúde Vol. 8; no. 1
• Main Authors: Costa, Josiane Moreira da, Malta, Jessica Soares, Oliveira Ortiz, Mayara, Aparecida de Sousa, Denise, Magalhães, Aline de Cássia, Silva, Augusto César da, Queiroz Ribeiro, Andréia, Braga, Lucas de Faria Martins, Pinheiro Cintra, Leandro, Pádua, Cristiane Aparecida Menezes de
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 28.06.2023
• ISSN: 2446-7901; 2446-7901
• DOI: 10.26694/repis.v8i1.2812

Introduction: Healthcare-associated Infections (HAI) have a significant impact on public health, and the use of indicators is a common practice for assessing and improving healthcare services. Aim: This study aimed to describe the utilization of blood culture results to develop indicators for hospital management and evaluate antimicrobial resistance. Outlining: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a teaching hospital. Blood cultures were performed during two periods: pre-implementation of antimicrobial sales restrictions in Brazil (05/2010-10/2010 - first period) and post-implementation (02/2011-07/2011 - second period). Computerized system reports were used to develop indicators, including infection incidence rates and antimicrobial resistance. Results: A higher infection rate (1.97/100 person-days) and a lower resistance rate (0.62/100 person-days) were observed in the second period, with the microorganism Staphylococcus sp. being more frequently identified in both periods. Implications: This study demonstrates the use of indicators to evaluate governmental actions related to HAIs, which can contribute to patient safety and healthcare management.