NCT07486362 · Methodist Health System
Evaluation of Emergency Medicine Pharmacist Impact on Blood Culture Review Following Emergency Department Discharge
What this study is about
Patients are commonly discharged from the Emergency Department(ED) with pending blood culture results. Blood cultures can take up to 48 hours to become positive which is why it is important to notify patients with true positive cultures as soon as possible. Delay in notification can lead to other serious complications such as sepsis, septic shock, and death.
View original scientific description
Patients are commonly discharged from the Emergency Department(ED) with pending blood culture results. Blood cultures can take up to 48 hours to become positive which is why it is important to notify patients with true positive cultures as soon as possible. Delay in notification can lead to other serious complications such as sepsis, septic shock, and death. The American College of Emergency Physicians states pharmacists serve a critical role in ensuring efficient, safe, and effective medication use in the ED and advocates for health systems to support dedicated roles for pharmacists within the ED. Pharmacists help to decrease the workload on the healthcare team, especially in the ED where there is high volume and acuity.Emergency medicine pharmacist (EMP) play a significant role in the optimization of therapy, medication safety, and reducing costs. There is strong evidence for the positive impact EMPs have on microbiological culture review. Overall, pharmacist review of late cultures results in higher rates of appropriate antimicrobial therapy and decreased missed interventions.These prior studies focused on the review of microbiological tests, including sexually transmitted infections, urine, and wound cultures; however, there was limited data to support the role of pharmacists evaluating late blood culture results.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Patients with a positive blood culture result, collected during the initial ED visit and who were discharged from the ED to the outpatient/long-term care setting prior to a critical blood Groups culture result.
Exclusion criteria
- Patients admitted to inpatient and patients transferred from ED to another acute care facility.
Where
- Dallas, Texas
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 20, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations