A syndrome-based approach to antimicrobial stewardship in an Arizona skilled nursing facilityMoving the needle through quality improvement. American journal of infection control 48(12): 1537-1539

In 2015, an intervention to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing for suspect urinary tract infection (UTI) was implemented in an Arizona skilled nursing facility. • Intervention included use of a 48[HYPHEN]hour enhanced observation protocol instead of urine culturing in low infection likelihood scenarios (eg, confusion without localizing signs of infection) and monthly feedback to providers on culturing and prescribing patterns. • In the 2 years following implementation of the intervention, antibiotic prescribing for suspect UTIs decreased by 85%, and C. difficile incidence by 86%, with no associated urosepsis events. In 2015, an Arizona skilled nursing facility implemented an antibiotic stewardship protocol targeting unnecessary prescribing for sus pect urinary tract infection. The protocol emphasized auditing of culturing and prescribing practices, feedback to prescribers, engagement of clinical staff, and educational in-services. Between Quarter 4 of 2014 (baseline) and Quarter 1 of 2017, urine culturing, days of antibiotic therapy for suspe ct urinary tract infection, and Clostridiodes difficile infections per 1,000 resident-days decreased by>50% with no urosepsis events.
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news