1. Antimicrobial De-escalation Protocol

De-escalation optimizes therapy by narrowing spectrum or shortening duration once culture, susceptibility, and clinical data support it. This reduces toxicity, resistance selection, and costs without compromising outcomes.

1.1 Criteria for Weaning and Narrowing Spectrum

• Clinical stability: Afebrile for ≥48 hours, white blood cell count trending toward normal, and hemodynamic stability without vasopressors.
• Microbiological confirmation: Pathogen identified with definitive susceptibilities available.
• Source control: Effective drainage established or the primary infection focus has been managed surgically or radiologically.
• Host factors: Patient is immunocompetent, has an adequate neutrophil count, and lacks evidence of a deep-seated infection (e.g., endocarditis, abscess).

1.2 Timing and Monitoring of Clinical Response

• Reassess at 48–72 hours after starting empiric therapy. Review trends in vital signs, organ function scores (like SOFA), and inflammatory markers (CRP, procalcitonin).
• Consider repeat cultures for patients with persistent bacteremia or ongoing fever.
• Ensure new agent achieves pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets, such as time above MIC (>50% fT>MIC for β-lactams) or AUC/MIC (≥30–50 for fluoroquinolones).
• Utilize therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for agents like vancomycin (AUC monitoring) and β-lactams, especially in patients with renal impairment or augmented renal clearance.

1.3 Stewardship Safeguards and Escalation Triggers

• Implement built-in checks, such as automatic pharmacy or electronic health record alerts for broad-spectrum antibiotic use beyond 5–7 days.
• Define clear escalation triggers, including new fever, hypotension, rising inflammatory markers, or new positive cultures.
• Foster a multidisciplinary review involving infectious diseases, pharmacy, and the primary critical care team before re-escalating therapy.

2. Intravenous to Enteral Conversion

Transition to oral therapy when gut function is adequate, using agents with high bioavailability and minimal feeding-tube interactions to maintain efficacy and safety.

2.1 Bioavailability and Agent Selection

2.2 Enteral Feeding Tube Considerations

• Acid-labile drugs: Avoid crushing certain formulations (e.g., proton pump inhibitors, extended-release products).
• Interaction with feeds: Separate administration of drugs like ciprofloxacin and phenytoin from continuous feeds by at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after the dose.
• Tube patency: Flush the tube with at least 30 mL of water before and after each medication administration to prevent clogging.

3. Post-ICU Syndrome Identification and Mitigation

Prevent or lessen Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) by systematically applying the ABCDEF bundle, which addresses pain, sedation, delirium, mobility, and family involvement.

3.1 ABCDEF Bundle Components

• A: Assess, Prevent, and Manage Pain
  • Use validated scales like the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) or Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS).
  • Employ multimodal analgesia (e.g., acetaminophen, gabapentin, regional blocks) to minimize opioid use.
• B: Both Spontaneous Awakening and Breathing Trials
  • Pair daily sedation interruption with spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs) to shorten mechanical ventilation duration.
• C: Choice of Sedation
  • Prefer non-benzodiazepine sedatives (e.g., propofol, dexmedetomidine) to reduce the risk and duration of delirium.
• D: Delirium Assessment and Prevention
  • Screen for delirium every 8–12 hours using validated tools like the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) or the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC).
  • Prioritize nonpharmacologic measures: promote normal sleep-wake cycles, reorient the patient, and use hearing aids/glasses.
• E: Early Mobility and Exercise
  • Initiate passive or active range-of-motion exercises within 48 hours of ICU admission and stabilization.
• F: Family Engagement and Empowerment
  • Include family members in daily rounds and care planning.
  • Educate family on PICS, delirium, and realistic long-term recovery expectations.

3.2 Screening for Sequelae

• Cognitive: Use tools like the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at or after discharge.
• Physical: Assess with the ICU Mobility Scale during admission and handgrip strength at discharge.
• Psychological: Screen for depression and anxiety using validated questionnaires like the PHQ-9 and GAD-7.

4. Medication Reconciliation and Discharge Planning

A structured handoff ensures continuity of care, optimizes medication regimens, and engages patients and caregivers to prevent adverse events and readmissions.

4.1 Comprehensive Review of Medications

• Verify the indication, dose, route, and planned duration for every antimicrobial and supportive medication.
• Systematically screen for therapeutic duplications, significant drug-drug interactions, and necessary renal or hepatic dosing adjustments.

4.2 Patient and Caregiver Education Points

• Clearly explain the indication and total duration for all prescribed antibiotics.
• Educate on how to recognize common or serious adverse effects and when to seek medical help.
• Stress the importance of adherence and completing the full prescribed course of therapy.

4.3 Follow-Up and Outpatient Monitoring

• Arrange for timely follow-up laboratory tests (e.g., renal function, liver enzymes, drug levels if needed).
• Schedule a follow-up appointment with an infectious diseases specialist or primary care provider, typically within 7 days of discharge.

4.4 Documentation and Handoff

• Use a standardized handoff format like SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) for clear communication.
• Provide a complete, updated medication list and a detailed reconciliation note in the final discharge summary.