Effects of clinical decision support on initial dosing and monitoring of
tobramycin and amikacin.
Author(s): Cox ZL, Nelsen CL, Waitman LR, McCoy JA, Peterson JF.
Affiliation(s): Department of Pharmacy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
zac.cox@lipscomb.edu
Publication date & source: 2011, Am J Health Syst Pharm. , 68(7):624-32
PURPOSE: The impact of clinical decision support (CDS) on initial doses and
intervals and pharmacokinetic outcomes of amikacin and tobramycin therapy was
evaluated.
METHODS: A complex CDS advisor to provide guidance on initial dosing and
monitoring of aminoglycoside orders, using both traditional-dosing and
extended-interval-dosing strategies, was integrated into a computerized
prescriber-order-entry (CPOE) system and compared with a control group whose
aminoglycoside orders were closely monitored by pharmacists. The primary outcome
measured was an initial dose within 10% of a dose calculated to be adherent to
published dose guidelines. Secondary outcomes included a guideline-adherent
interval, trough and peak concentrations in goal range, and rate of
nephrotoxicity.
RESULTS: Of 216 patients studied, 97 were prescribed amikacin and 119 were
prescribed tobramycin. The number of orders with initial doses consistent with
reference standards increased from 40% in the preadvisor group to 80% in the
postadvisor group (p < 0.001). Selection of the correct initial interval based on
renal function increased from 63% to 87% (p < 0.001). The changes in the initial
dosing and interval resulted in an increase of trough concentrations at goal (59%
in the preadvisor group versus 89% in the postadvisor group, p = 0.0004). There
was no significant difference in peak concentrations in the goal range or rate of
nephrotoxicity.
CONCLUSION: An advisor for aminoglycoside dosing and monitoring integrated into a
CPOE system significantly improved selection of initial doses and intervals and
resulted in an improvement in the rate of trough serum drug concentrations at
goal compared with standard provider dosing.
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