Evaluation of patient-held carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) alert card

J Hosp Infect. 2016 Jan;92(1):102-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2015.10.008. Epub 2015 Nov 2.

Abstract

Public Health England recommends patient-held cards for those colonized with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). Alert cards were provided to 104 CPE-positive inpatients, with follow-up at six months. Excluding those who died, the response rate was 39%. Sixteen patients (46%) recalled receiving the card; 13 (81%) of these retained it, most (64%) of whom reported using it. This is the first evaluation of a patient-held alert card for any antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in the UK. This study demonstrated that, when retained, CPE alert cards can be an effective communication tool. Further work is required to evaluate effectiveness and improve retention.

Keywords: Carbapenemase; Continuity of patient care; Enterobacteriaceae; Multidrug resistance; Organization and administration; Reminder systems.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Carrier State / microbiology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Continuity of Patient Care*
  • Enterobacteriaceae / enzymology*
  • Enterobacteriaceae / isolation & purification
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Medical Order Entry Systems / organization & administration*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Point-of-Care Systems / organization & administration*
  • United Kingdom
  • Young Adult
  • beta-Lactamases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • beta-Lactamases
  • carbapenemase