The Spectrum and Effect of Infectious Diseases Physicians' Work

ID consultation is predominantly given for bacterial infections, often in complex settings (immunocompromised host, prosthetic material) and is associated with reduced mortality and costs.

The practice of infectious diseases (ID) is evolving. Knowledge about the spectrum and frequency of services — as well as the effect on patient outcomes and costs — is essential for the future development of ID as a specialty, and for determining its role among medical disciplines. Two recent studies provide some insight.

Ingram and colleagues conducted a 2-week prospective survey of formal ID-physician activities among 91 specialists at 53 hospitals in Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand. Of 1722 inpatient consultations, 20%, 15%, and 14% were for infections of the skin/soft tissue, respiratory tract, and bone/joints, respectively. Fourteen percent of consultations were for systemic infections; 9% involved noninfectious diagnoses. Sixty p…

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

The Spectrum and Effect of Infectious Diseases Physicians' Work

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Reviewing Author