Application of a simple point-of-care test to reduce UK healthcare costs and adverse events in outpatient acute respiratory infections.

摘要: Background: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) accounts for over two-thirds of total antibiotic prescriptions although most are caused by viruses that do not benefit from antibiotics. Most antibiotics prescribed in the outpatients setting. Antibiotic overuse leads to antibiotic-related adverse events (AEs), inclusive secondary infections, resistance, and increased costs. Point-of-care tests (POCT) may reduce unnecessary A cost analysis was performed assess diagnostic POCT options identify patients with an ARI a United Kingdom (UK) outpatient setting.Methods: Healthcare savings were estimated using budget impact based on UK National Institute Health Care Excellence (NICE) data direct costs (antibiotics, AEs, POCTs) derived published literature. Otitis media, sinusitis, pharyngitis bronchitis considered common ARIs. Antibiotic-related AE calculated re-consultation anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, allergies/diarrhea/nausea, C. difficile (CDI). Potential cost-savings POCTs assessed evaluating NICE guideline-referenced (CRP, FebriDx, Sarasota, FL) as well target product profile (TPP).Results: Fifty-percent (7,718,283) consultations resulted while guideline-based prescribing suggest appropriate warranted 9% (1,444,877) consultations. Direct actual associated £24,003,866 vs. £4,493,568 guideline-based, "appropriate" prescriptions. AEs re-consultations totaled £302,496,486 £63,854,269. plus £326,729,943 annually without use delayed practices or addition £60,114,564-£78,148,933 depending POCT.Conclusions: Adding triage can resulting substantial savings. Further, near patient testing health systems avoiding exposure drugs, side effects resistant pathogens.Key points decision makersMany unnecessarily treated infections.Antibiotic misuse events, re-consultations, antimicrobial resistance costs.Point-of-care used guide will avoid expenses.