A cluster randomized stepped-wedge trial to de-implement unnecessary post-operative antibiotics in children: the optimizing perioperative antibiotic in children (OPerAtiC) trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Antibiotic-resistant infections have become a public health crisis that is driven by the inappropriate use of antibiotics. In the USA, antibiotic stewardship programs (ASP) have been established and are required by regulatory agencies to help combat the problem of antibiotic resistance. Post-operative antibiotic use in surgical cases deemed low-risk for infection is an area with significant overuse of antibiotics in children. Consensus among leading public health organizations has led to guidelines eliminating post-operative antibiotics in low-risk surgeries. However, the best strategies to de-implement these inappropriate antibiotics in this setting are unknown.

Methods/design

A 3-year stepped wedge cluster randomized trial will be conducted at nine US Children's

SUBMITTER: Malone S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7980649 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature