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Febrile

111: StAR: Use of antimicrobials at the end of life

Sep 23, 2024
Join Daniel Karlin, an antimicrobial expert from UCLA, Christine Pham, a seasoned professional in antimicrobial applications, and Daisuke Furukawa, a Stanford researcher specializing in antibacterial studies, as they navigate the complexities of antimicrobial use at the end of life. They delve into ethical dilemmas, emphasizing the need for clear communication and palliative care integration. The trio also reflects on emotional challenges faced by healthcare providers and families, advocating for better collaboration and understanding in managing infections during terminal care.
41:38

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Antimicrobial stewardship at the end of life necessitates early discussions about treatment limitations to enhance patient-provider communication and trust.
  • Integrating palliative care principles into infectious disease management helps redefine treatment goals towards comfort rather than aggressive interventions.

Deep dives

The Role of Antimicrobial Stewardship

Antimicrobial stewardship is crucial in managing infections, especially in patients with poor prognoses. It emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to understand the limitations and potential harm caused by antibiotics in the face of incurable diseases. Discussions around the appropriateness of antibiotic treatment should begin early, ideally before the patient reaches multiple hospital admissions, to foster better communication and trust between care teams and patients. By addressing the complexity of infections in the context of an underlying disease, healthcare teams can guide patients through the treatment process more effectively.

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