1989. Impact of Pharmacist-Led β-Lactam Allergy Clarification Interview on Optimizing Preoperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis

Abstract

BackgroundPatients with reported β-lactam allergies (BLA) are often given alternative perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis, increasing risk of surgical site infections (SSI), acute kidney injury (AKI), and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). The purpose of this study was to implement and evaluate a pharmacist-led BLA clarification interview in the preoperative setting.MethodsThis single-center, IRB-approved, quasi-experimental study compared surgical patients with a BLA between November 2017 and March 2018 (pre-intervention) vs. November 2018 and March2019. From November 2018 to March 2019, a pharmacist performed BLA clarification phone interviews for patients scheduled for a surgical procedure. Based on the allergy history and decision algorithm, first-line antibiotics, alternative antibiotics, or an allergy testing referral were recommended and documented in the EHR. The allergy label was updated as well. The primary outcome was the use of β-lactams preoperatively. Secondary outcomes included 30-day SSI and CDI, AKI, allergic reactions, allergy labels updated or removed, time to incision, and vancomycin doses administered.Results87 patients were included in the study; 50 (57%) and 37 (43%) in the pre- and post-group, respectively. Most common surgeries: orthopedic 41 (47%), neurosurgery 17 (20%). In the post-group, all EHR BLA labels were updated after interview. 23 patients were referred for allergy testing, 12 (52%) completed BLA testing, and 7 BLA allergies were removed. 76% of pharmacy antibiotic recommendations were accepted (figure). Cefazolin use significantly increased from 28% to 65% post-intervention, P = 0.001; vancomycin use also increased from 19 (38%) to 22 (59%), P = 0.047. Time to incision decreased by a median of 8 minutes (P = 0.484). SSI occurred in 5 (10%) patients in the pre-group only, P = 0.051. All of these were associated with alternative antibiotics. Incidence of AKI and CDI were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). No allergic reactions occurred in either group.ConclusionClarifying reported BLA in the perioperative setting significantly increased β-lactam preoperative use without negative clinical sequelae. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.