Learning from each other
In the first of a series of spotlights on sites across the Network, we travelled to Southampton to talk with Consultant Microbiologist, Professor Kordo Saeed.
Southampton have been part of the Network for two years and came on board as an early adopter. They are keen to share their experience and knowledge.
“We’ve had fantastic support from our ICU colleagues. Before we even started the service we invested time in these relationships and offered a series of educational sessions. Now if we need to stop the service temporarily, they come knocking on our doors!”
Around 50% of the cases seen in Southampton have acted as reassurance for clinicians that the antibiotics they have prescribed are correct. However in 25% of cases, metagenomic testing has directed them to either escalate or de-escalate antibiotic levels.
When asked about his ‘standout case’, Kordo talked about a rare case of Whipple’s disease.
“The patient came into hospital with what clinicians thought was Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii. However metagenomic testing revealed the surprise that was Tropheryma whipplei. The result (which was also validated by both PCR and an independent laboratory) triggered further investigations and the patient is now awaiting heart surgery.”
Kordo and the team have learnt a lot about metagenomics in the past two years. Their newfound expertise has been used to create the Wessex Infection Network for Genomics which includes members from seven NHS Trusts, Southampton University and Portsmouth University in partnership with NHS Central and South Genomic Medicine Service.
By working as a Network, they have not only shared their learning across the region but they’ve also attracted additional funding to explore other aspects of infectious diseases. In March they are welcoming over 70 intensivists from across the region to join them for an immersive learning day to further embed genomics and metagenomics into clinical awareness.
Kordo had a message for new Network sites.
“Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or face hurdles. We’re very happy to share our experiences, or support you to interpret results.”
He equally had a message for more established sites.
“We’d love to swap notes on how to run an effective 5 day a week service. What can we learn from one another to improve our respective services?”
Get in touch with Kordo on kordo.saeed@uhs.nhs.uk
