Table 3 Multivariable analysis of the effect of intervention group and empiric antibiotics on hospital mortality

Intervention effect base model:

Prompted group

0.41 (0.18-0.92)

0.032

APACHE IV predicted mortality

47.8 (10.3-222)

<0.001

Empiric antibiotics mediating effect model: ^a

Prompted group

0.50 (0.21-1.2)

0.11

APACHE IV predicted mortality

37.0 (7.6-180)

<0.001

Empiric antibiotics 4–6days

2.1 (0.76-6.0)

0.15

Empiric antibiotics ≥7days

2.5 (0.92-6.6)

0.074

Independent empiric antibiotics model: ^a

APACHE IV predicted mortality

30.5 (6.6-140)

<0.001

Empiric antibiotics 4–6days

2.3 (0.81-6.3)

0.12

Empiric antibiotics ≥7days

3.1 (1.2-8.0)

0.019