ASSESSING ANTIMICROBIAL THERAPY IN TREATING HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS AT A VIETNAMESE NATIONAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

To evaluate the appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy in treating healthcare-associated infections and identify factors associated with patient outcomes at a national hospital in Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 122 medical records of patients who were diagnosed with healthcare-associated infection at Thong Nhat Hospital from January 2023 to December 2023, using data from the Infection Control Department. Appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy was defined as physician adherence to Thong Nhat Hospital guidelines for antibiotic use. The factors associated with the treatment outcome were identified using multiple logistic regression analysis. The median age of the patients was 75.5 (65-85). Hospital-acquired pneumonia was identified in 51.6% of patients. The most prevalent pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. The overall appropriate rate of empiric antimicrobial therapy was 76.2%. The successful treatment outcome rate was 71.3%. Lower respiratory tract infection, sepsis/sepsis shock, cancer, and comatose state were factors associated with treatment failure. Active management and treatment are essential for patients with lower respiratory infection, sepsis or septic shock, cancer, and comatose states to improve treatment outcomes.