UQ researchers are using new dosing technology to boost antibiotic therapy in the ICU

University of Queensland researchers used dosing software to speed up the effects of antibiotics in patients being treated for sepsis in Intensive Care Units.

Study co-senior author Professor Jason Roberts from UQ’s Center for Clinical Research said the technique tested in the DIRECT study meant patients received effective antibiotics in half the usual time, leading to faster recovery, higher quality care, cost savings and increased hospital bed availability.

“We found we could dramatically improve the accuracy and quality of treatment delivered to adults and children, meaning less time in ICU and faster treatment,” Professor Roberts said.

“We did this by quickly identifying which bacteria were causing their severe infection and then applying an individualized dosing approach to ensure that each patient received the most effective dose for their needs.

“The team used Bayesian dosing software in four adult and pediatric ICUs, leading to an estimated healthcare savings of $12,000 per patient in some groups.”

The clinical trial was unusual in that it involved children and involved partners at four major Brisbane hospitals.

UQCCR principal investigator and co-senior author Associate Professor Adam Irwin said the improvement in the accuracy of treating the infection was an outstanding result.

“In this study, clinicians in both pediatric and adult intensive care units were confident of implementing the dosing software’s recommendations, meaning that critically ill children and adults would benefit from the results,” Dr Irwin said. .

The study included ICU physicians and nurses, pharmacists, infectious disease physicians, microbiologists, and health economics experts.

This research highlights our strong commitment to providing the best possible care for Queenslanders.

We hope that further funding will enable us to demonstrate the value of this therapeutic approach to a wider international audience.”

Professor Adam Irwin

DIRECT was funded by MRFF Rapid Applied Research Translation Grants awarded through Health Translation Queensland and conducted at the Herston Infectious Diseases Institute in partnership with Metro North Health, Queensland Children’s Hospital and Metro South Health.

The research is published in Intensive Care Medicine.