Reducing unnecessary antibiotic use in heart device procedures
Promoting De-Implementation of Inappropriate Antimicrobial Use in Cardiac Device Procedures By Expanding Audit and Feedback
This study is looking at how to use antibiotics better during heart device surgeries, like getting a pacemaker or defibrillator, to help prevent infections while keeping you safe from side effects and resistance to antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11091536 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the use of antibiotics during cardiac device procedures, such as pacemaker and defibrillator placements, to prevent infections while minimizing the risk of adverse effects like kidney injury and antibiotic resistance. By analyzing data from the VA electronic health record system, the study aims to identify effective strategies for promoting adherence to clinical guidelines that recommend timely antibiotic use and discontinuation. The goal is to enhance patient outcomes by ensuring that only necessary antibiotics are used, thereby reducing complications associated with inappropriate antimicrobial use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans undergoing cardiac device procedures who may be at risk for infections and adverse effects from unnecessary antibiotic use.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing cardiac device procedures or those who do not require antibiotics for their treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer cardiac device procedures with fewer infections and better overall health outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that implementing guidelines for antibiotic use can significantly reduce complications in surgical procedures, suggesting that this approach may also be effective in cardiac device procedures.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- VA Boston Health Care System — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Branch-Elliman, Westyn — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Branch-Elliman, Westyn
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.