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Antimicrobial stewardship in long-term care facilities
Susan M Rhee1, Nimalie D Stone2
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, 5200 Eastern Avenue, MFL Center Tower, 3rd Floor, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|May 27, 2014
Summary
Antimicrobial stewardship programs are crucial for long-term care (LTC) residents. These programs reduce inappropriate antibiotic use, improve patient outcomes, and lower healthcare costs in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Geriatrics
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Antimicrobial stewardship improves outcomes in hospitals but is understudied in long-term care (LTC).
- LTC settings present unique challenges due to frail older adults with comorbidities and high risks of multidrug-resistant organisms.
- Effective antimicrobial stewardship is vital for this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance and challenges of implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs in long-term care settings.
- To emphasize the role of stewardship in optimizing antibiotic use for older adults in LTC.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on antimicrobial stewardship in healthcare settings.
- Analysis of the specific needs and challenges within the long-term care environment.
- Discussion of strategies for effective antimicrobial stewardship program implementation in LTC.
Main Results:
- Antimicrobial stewardship programs demonstrate benefits such as improved microbiologic susceptibility, reduced drug toxicity, and lower drug costs.
- Implementation in LTC is complex due to patient demographics and infection risks.
- Stewardship programs can decrease inappropriate antibiotic use and associated adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Antimicrobial stewardship is essential in long-term care to combat rising antimicrobial resistance.
- Targeted antibiotic treatment and limiting antimicrobial exposure are key benefits for LTC residents.
- Addressing the unique challenges of LTC is critical for successful stewardship program implementation.
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