A Systematic Review of the Effect of Delayed Appropriate Antibiotic Treatment on the Outcomes of Patients With Severe Bacterial Infections

BackgroundPatients with severe bacterial infections often experience delay in receiving appropriate treatment. Consolidated evidence of the impact of delayed appropriate treatment is needed to guide treatment and improve outcomes.Research QuestionWhat is the impact of delayed appropriate antibacterial therapy on clinical outcomes in patients with severe bacterial infections?Study Design and MethodsLiterature searches of MEDLINE and Embase,...