461. Management of ABSSSIs: An Assessment of Knowledge, Competence and Clinical Practices among ID Specialists

BACKGROUND: One of the most common bacterial infections overall and among the most common causes for ED referral and/or hospital admission, ABSSSIs continue to impart a significant public health burden. The rising tide of MDROs has limited the clinical utility of many traditional antibiotics and increasing age and comorbid conditions such as diabetes, impaired renal or hepatic function, and CVD disease further complicate patient management strategies, putting patients at increased risk for treatment failure. METHODS: A continuing medical education (CME)-certified clinical practice assessment comprising 25 multiple choice questions that measured ID specialists’ knowledge, competence, confidence and current practices in the management of ABSSSIs. The survey instrument was launched on a website dedicated to continuous professional development on July 27/18. Respondent confidentiality was maintained and responses were de-identified and aggregated prior to analyses. RESULTS: To date, 2921HCPs, including 2,380 physicians have participated in the activity. Data for ID specialists who had participated as of April 17, 2019 are presented; data collection are ongoing. The majority of ID specialists (68%; n = 268) practiced in the inpatient setting. Despite a relatively high level of confidence in several areas (Table 1 and data not shown), the data identified several knowledge and competence gaps with regard to antimicrobial agent selection, treatment duration, and management of complicated ABSSSIs (Table 2). The most frequently cited barriers to optimal care included: (i) logistical challenges in arranging for appropriate patient follow-up (33%; n = 122); (ii) knowledge about appropriate duration of antibiotic therapy (19%; n = 71); and (iii) access to more expensive antibiotic therapies that may be more effective (19%; n = 71). CONCLUSION: This activity identified knowledge and competency gaps in the management of patients with ABSSSIs. These findings will be used to inform the development of educational programs that may help narrow these gaps and improve patient care. [Image: see text] [Image: see text] DISCLOSURES: All authors: No reported disclosures.