TY  - JOUR
AU  - Papan, Cihan
AU  - Reifenrath, Katharina
AU  - Last, Katharina
AU  - Attarbaschi, Andishe
AU  - Graf, Norbert
AU  - Groll, Andreas H
AU  - Huebner, Johannes
AU  - Laws, Hans-Jürgen
AU  - Lehrnbecher, Thomas
AU  - Liese, Johannes
AU  - Martin, Luise
AU  - Tenenbaum, Tobias
AU  - Weichert, Stefan
AU  - Vieth, Simon
AU  - von Both, Ulrich
AU  - Hufnagel, Markus
AU  - Simon, Arne
PY  - 2022
DA  - 2022/6/20
TI  - Antimicrobial Use in Pediatric Oncology and Hematology: Protocol for a Multicenter Point-Prevalence Study With Qualitative Expert Panel Assessment
JO  - JMIR Res Protoc
SP  - e35774
VL  - 11
IS  - 6
KW  - point-prevalence study
KW  - antimicrobial stewardship
KW  - pediatric oncology
KW  - pediatric hematology
KW  - expert panel
KW  - antimicrobial resistance
KW  - oncology
KW  - cancer
KW  - pediatrics
AB  - Background: Because infections are a major driver of morbidity and mortality in children with hematologic or oncologic diseases, antimicrobials are frequently prescribed in pediatric oncology practice. However, excess or inappropriate use of antimicrobials is directly linked to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Although point-prevalence studies have examined the extent of antimicrobial use, a comprehensive qualitative evaluation of individual antimicrobial prescriptions remains lacking. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify appropriate versus inappropriate antimicrobial use among pediatric cancer patients in a point-prevalence study, followed by an expert panel adjudication process and a subsequent report of these findings to participating centers. This study also aims to improve the quality of patient care by informing centers about discrepancies between internal standards of care and national guidelines. Methods: Our point-prevalence study is performed at pediatric cancer centers in Germany and Austria. All patients under 18 years old who are hospitalized at the time of the study are included. As a supplement to the point-prevalence study, an expert panel is qualitatively assessing each of the antimicrobial prescriptions at the participating centers to review local guidelines and compare them with national guidelines. Results: As of December 2021, the point-prevalence survey has been conducted at 30 sites and expert panel adjudication for qualitative assessment of each antimicrobial use is ongoing. Results of the study are expected in 2022. Conclusions: This is the first point-prevalence study conducted among pediatric cancer centers with an integrated, multistep, qualitative approach that assesses each antimicrobial prescription. The results of this study will inform possible interventions for internal guidelines and antimicrobial stewardship programs implemented at pediatric cancer centers. In addition, local guidelines will be compared with national guidelines. Furthermore, this study will contribute to the overall integration of antimicrobial stewardship principles and initiatives in pediatric oncology and hematology, thereby improving safety and quality of care for children and adolescents with cancer and blood disorders. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/35774 
SN  - 1929-0748
UR  - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/6/e35774
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2196/35774
UR  - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35723906
DO  - 10.2196/35774
ID  - info:doi/10.2196/35774
ER  -