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.
Authors
- Thomas Knight (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3838-6696)
- Jo C Dumville (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6546-3685)
- Daniel Edward Horner (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0400-2017)
- Paul M Dark (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3309-0164)
- Paul Wilson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2657-5780)
- Tim Felton (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6868-6633)
- Richard O'sullivan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5341-4508)
Institutions
- 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)
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