Procalcitonin-guided antibiotic discontinuation after ADAPT-Sepsis: a national survey of current practice and readiness for implementation

Procalcitonin (PCT)-guided antibiotic discontinuation is increasingly supported by evidence, but current UK practice remains uncertain. We conducted a national survey of acute healthcare staff to describe current PCT use and organisational readiness for implementation of PCT-guided antibiotic discontinuation. Eighty-six responses were analysed. PCT was mostly measured occasionally in selected patients, while 28% of respondents reported rarely or never measuring PCT. Nearly half wished to increase their use of PCT-guided antibiotic discontinuation, while almost a third wanted further information before making practice changes. Organisational readiness scores were generally favourable. Ongoing implementation may be supported by national guidance, local protocols and education.

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Publication Details

Journal
NIHR Open Research
Published
2026-10-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3310/nihropenres.14461.1
Primary Topic
Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Procalcitonin-guided antibiotic discontinuation after ADAPT-Sepsis: a national survey of current practice and readiness for implementation

Thomas Knight, Jo C Dumville, Daniel Edward Horner, Paul M Dark et al.
NIHR Open Research
Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment
article

Procalcitonin-guided antibiotic discontinuation after ADAPT-Sepsis: a national survey of current practice and readiness for implementation

Thomas Knight, Jo C Dumville, Daniel Edward Horner, Paul M Dark, Paul Wilson, Tim Felton, Richard O'sullivan
article en

Abstract

Procalcitonin (PCT)-guided antibiotic discontinuation is increasingly supported by evidence, but current UK practice remains uncertain. We conducted a national survey of acute healthcare staff to describe current PCT use and organisational readiness for implementation of PCT-guided antibiotic discontinuation. Eighty-six responses were analysed. PCT was mostly measured occasionally in selected patients, while 28% of respondents reported rarely or never measuring PCT. Nearly half wished to increase their use of PCT-guided antibiotic discontinuation, while almost a third wanted further information before making practice changes. Organisational readiness scores were generally favourable. Ongoing implementation may be supported by national guidance, local protocols and education.

NIHR Open ResearchVol. 6
Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (GB), University of Manchester (GB), Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust (GB), Wythenshawe Hospital (GB), Institute of Infection and Immunity (CA)
Openalex Percentile: Top 12%
Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment
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