Optimizing the Management of Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia (OPTIMUS-SAB)

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates with an incidence disproportionately higher in vulnerable populations. Management according to evidence-based care parameters, in particular Infectious Diseases (ID) consultation, is associated with improved mortality. SAB management is suboptimal in Alberta compared to other jurisdictions. An Alberta-based pilot study confirmed that timely recommendations to optimize SAB care, including ID consultation, was associated with improved adherence to all evidence-based quality-of-care indicators.

Leveraging this pilot work, the investigators aim to implement OPTIMUS-SAB, an enhanced model of the pilot, to optimize and standardize SAB management across Alberta. The implementation study will be a zone-based acute care site stepped wedge design. OPTIMUS-SAB will consist of a centralized SAB care team whom will receive automated notification of all blood cultures positive for S. aureus allowing them to review the patient's medical chart and make preliminary management recommendations according to an evidence-based care bundle.

The investigators will evaluate adherence to evidence-based SAB quality-of-care indicators before and after OPTIMUS-SAB implementation and expect this to improve with a resultant reduction in duration of bacteremia, length of stay, readmission rates, and mortality. In turn, this will translate into cost savings for the health care system.