Lessons from an educational invasive fungal disease conference on hospital antifungal stewardship practices across the UK and Ireland

Talento, A. F., Qualie, M., Cottom, L., Backx, M. and White, P. L. (2021) Lessons from an educational invasive fungal disease conference on hospital antifungal stewardship practices across the UK and Ireland. Journal of Fungi, 7(10), 801. (doi: 10.3390/jof7100801) (PMID:34682223) (PMCID:PMC8538376)

Abstract

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a growing health burden. High mortality rates, increasing numbers of at-risk hosts, and a limited availability of rapid diagnostics and therapeutic options mean that patients are increasingly exposed to unnecessary antifungals. High rates of prescriptions promote patient exposure to undue toxicity and drive the emergence of resistance. Antifungal stewardship (AFS) aims to guide antifungal usage and reduce unnecessary exposure and antifungal consumption whilst maintaining or improving outcomes. Here, we examine several AFS approaches from hospitals across the UK and Ireland to demonstrate the benefits of AFS practices and support the broader implementation of AFS as both a necessary and achievable strategy. Since the accuracy and turnaround times (TATs) of diagnostic tools can impact treatment decisions, several AFS strategies have included the development and implementation of diagnostic-driven care pathways. AFS informed treatment strategies can help stratify patients on a risk basis ensuring the right patients receive antifungals at the optimal time. Using a multidisciplinary approach is also key due to the complexity of managing and treating patients at risk of IFD. Through knowledge sharing, such as The Gilead Antifungal Information Network (GAIN), we hope to drive practices that improve patient management and support the preservation of antifungals for future use.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The GAIN 2019 meeting was funded by Gilead Sciences as was the editorial support for this article.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cottom, Dr Laura
• Authors: Talento, A. F., Qualie, M., Cottom, L., Backx, M., and White, P. L.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Journal of Fungi
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 2309-608X
• ISSN (Online): 2309-608X
• Published Online: 25 September 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Fungi 7(10): 801
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License