Hostname: page-component-7b7567c8c-fvjsw Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-11-12T18:25:32.220Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Diagnostic stewardship to support optimal use of multiplex molecular respiratory panels: A survey from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Research Network

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 May 2023

Jonathan D. Baghdadi*
Affiliation:
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
Lyndsay M. O’Hara
Affiliation:
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
J. Kristie Johnson
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
Sarah L. Krein
Affiliation:
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MichiganCenter for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Anthony D. Harris
Affiliation:
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
Daniel J. Morgan
Affiliation:
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
*
Author for correspondence: Jonathan Baghdadi, E-mail: jbaghdadi@som.umaryland.edu
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Objectives:

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) respiratory panels are rapid, highly sensitive tests for viral and bacterial pathogens that cause respiratory infections. In this study, we (1) described best practices in the implementation of respiratory panels based on expert perspectives and (2) identified tools for diagnostic stewardship to enhance the usefulness of testing.

Methods:

We conducted a survey of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Research Network to explore current and future approaches to diagnostic stewardship of multiplex PCR respiratory panels.

Results:

In total, 41 sites completed the survey (response rate, 50%). Multiplex PCR respiratory panels were perceived as supporting accurate diagnoses at 35 sites (85%), supporting more efficient patient care at 33 sites (80%), and improving patient outcomes at 23 sites (56%). Thirteen sites (32%) reported that testing may support diagnosis or patient care without improving patient outcomes. Furthermore, 24 sites (58%) had implemented diagnostic stewardship, with a median of 3 interventions (interquartile range, 1–4) per site. The interventions most frequently reported as effective were structured order sets to guide test ordering (4 sites), restrictions on test ordering based on clinician or patient characteristics (3 sites), and structured communication of results (2 sites). Education was reported as “helpful” but with limitations (3 sites).

Conclusions:

Many hospital epidemiologists and experts in infectious diseases perceive multiplex PCR respiratory panels as useful tests that can improve diagnosis, patient care, and patient outcomes. However, institutions frequently employ diagnostic stewardship to enhance the usefulness of testing, including most commonly clinical decision support to guide test ordering.

Information

Type
Original Article
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America
Figure 0

Table 1.Perceived Impact of Respiratory Panel Testing

Figure 1

Table 2.Recommendations for Optimal Use

Supplementary material: File

Baghdadi et al. supplementary material

Baghdadi et al. supplementary material

Download Baghdadi et al. supplementary material(File)
File 34.3 KB