Background: Bacteraemia is a significant cause of mortality and healthcare expenditure. Evidence suggests that consultation by an infection specialist may improve outcomes.
Aim: To review the characteristics and outcomes of patients seen by a newly implemented bacteraemia service.
Methods: Retrospective review of data collected at time of consultation. Economic analyses and benchmarking of outcomes were also performed.
Results: One hundred and fifty-one patients were seen by the service over an 18-month period. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common isolate and central venous lines the most common source. Antibiotics were changed and additional investigations suggested in 62% and 61% of patients, respectively. The 30-day mortality was 19%. Implementation and delivery of the service over the 18-month study period cost pound 22,663 (pound 15,109 per year). The cost per change in antibiotic prescription was pound 244. The cost per 'near-miss' detected was pound 1193. Overall mortality was no higher and possibly lower than in published studies.
Conclusion: We believe that this model of care may be suitable for the management of patients with bacteraemia. A study assessing the cost-effectiveness of this approach is required.