Antimicrobial stewardship programs in Florida's acute care facilities

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Healthcare Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance necessitates effective antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs).
• Understanding the current state and challenges of ASPs in acute care facilities is crucial.
• Florida acute care facilities were surveyed to evaluate their antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the components and barriers associated with sustained antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs).
• To identify current antimicrobial use improvement activities in Florida acute care facilities.
• To determine the role of collaborative efforts in enhancing ASP resources.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to acute care facilities across Florida.
• The survey aimed to identify existing antimicrobial stewardship activities and perceived barriers.
• Data were collected on the presence and components of formal ASPs.

Main Results:

• A majority of surveyed facilities, regardless of having a formal ASP, reported engaging in stewardship-related activities.
• Common stewardship activities are being implemented to optimize antimicrobial prescribing.
• Barriers to sustained ASP implementation were identified, though not detailed in the abstract.

Conclusions:

• Many facilities are undertaking antimicrobial stewardship efforts, indicating a widespread awareness of the issue.
• Formal ASPs are not universal, but stewardship practices exist broadly.
• Enhanced collaboration between healthcare facilities and public health departments is vital for developing and sustaining effective ASPs and providing necessary resources.