Acute Care Antibiotic Stewardship

What is acute care antibiotic stewardship?

Hospital-based Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) can reduce antibiotic resistance by using a defined, common approach towards judicious antibiotic use.  Using antibiotics judiciously (i.e., using the right antibiotic, at the right dose, and for the right duration) improves clinical outcomes and reduces adverse events and resistance.  Based on strong supportive evidence, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all acute care hospitals implement an ASP.  There is no lack of resources for implementing and sustaining acute care antibiotic stewardship programs.  There are valuable toolkits, checklists, and templates to guide the health care professional or team. 

Features, Applications & Benefits 

Leadership Commitment

Critical to the success of antibiotic stewardship programs.

Accountability & Drug Expertise

Formal training in infectious diseases and/or antibiotic stewardship benefits stewardship program leaders.

Key Support

The work of stewardship program leaders is greatly enhanced by the support of other key groups in hospitals where they are available.

Implement Policies & Interventions to Improve Antibiotic Use

Implement policies that  apply in all situations to support optimal antibiotic prescribing.

Antibiotic Use Process Measures

Perform periodic assessments of the use of antibiotics or the treatment of infections to determine the quality of antibiotic use.

Outcome Measures

Track clinical outcomes that measure the impact of interventions to improve antibiotic use.

Education

Antibiotic stewardship programs should provide regular updates on antibiotic prescribing, antibiotic resistance, and infectious disease management that address both national and local issues.

Advantages of using Provectus

An antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) is designed to provide guidance for the safe and cost-effective use of antimicrobial agents.  At Provectus Diagnostics our primary goal  is to optimize clinical outcomes while minimizing unintended consequences related to antimicrobial usage, such as toxicities or the emergence of resistance.

The core elements of antibiotic stewardship are the same for both hospitals and nursing homes.  This guide provides examples of how these elements can be applied by Acute Care leadership, clinicians and staff to monitor and improve antibiotic use.  Commit now to ensure antibiotic stewardship policies and practices are in place to protect patients and improve clinical care in the Acute Care setting.