1018. Shifting Antimicrobial Practice to Minimize Length of Stay in Orthopedic Infections: Analysis from an Academic Tertiary Care Center


 
 
 Increased hospital length of stay (LOS) has been associated with increased rates of readmission, nosocomial infections, and cost during hospitalizations for orthopedic-related infections (HOIs). We hypothesized that Infectious Diseases (ID) consultation is associated with increased LOS for HOIs due to pending culture results delaying final recommendations. We assessed patient and care factors affecting LOS, including duration and timing of ID consultation, and identified process improvements to expedite discharge for HOIs.
 
 
 
 We performed retrospective chart review of HOI admissions with ID consultation at Vanderbilt University Medical Center from May-August 2021. Differences in HOIs discharged <1 vs. >1 day after ID final recommendations were examined using Fisher’s exact, Chi-squared, and Wilcoxon rank sum testing. Clustering by patient for those with >1 admission was performed. We used multivariable and propensity score weighted negative binomial regression models to estimate adjusted rate ratios (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for number of days followed by an ID consultant and LOS.
 
 
 
 HOIs discharged <1 day after ID final recommendations (69/105) had shorter median LOS (3 vs. 8 days, p< 0.001) (Figure 1), more oral-only antibiotic regimens (41% vs. 17%, p=0.003), and more frequent discharge to home (91% vs. 53%, p< 0.001). HOIs discharged >1 day after ID final recommendations were more likely to undergo multiple surgeries (28% vs. 12%, p=0.019) and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement (69% vs. 43%, p=0.013). For each additional day of ID consultation, there was associated increase in LOS (multivariable aRR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02-1.23; weighted aRR 1.12, 95% CI 0.99-1.26). Figure 1.Length of Stay after ID Final Recommendations
 
 
 
 ID consultation is unlikely to be the primary barrier to hospital discharge but may be a marker for more complicated HOIs and increased LOS. Most patients with prolonged stays were discharged >1 day after ID final recommendations. Implementation of protocols to promote prompt ID consultation, streamline PICC placement, and coordinate outpatient intravenous antibiotics may accelerate transitions of care and discharges.
 
 
 
 Milner B. Staub, MD, MPH, Gilead: Stocks/Bonds|Johnson & Johnson: Stocks/Bonds.
