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Published on: August 30, 2018
Implementing an antimicrobial stewardship program in out-patient dialysis units
Cheston B Cunha1, Erika M C D'Agata
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Brown University, Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
Rates of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO), including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, and multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria, continue to rise among the population of chronic hemodialysis. Antimicrobial exposure is the main risk factor for MDRO emergence and dissemination. Up to 30% of antimicrobial doses administered in out-patient dialysis units may not be indicated. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) improve antimicrobial prescribing patterns. The purpose of this review is to highlight the key elements and interventions of ASP.
Recent Findings:
The Infectious Disease Society of America and the Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America have provided evidence-based guidelines for the development and implementation of an ASP. Many of their recommendations can be adapted to the out-patient dialysis setting.
Summary:
Developing and implementing an ASP by following key elements and interventions in the out-patient dialysis setting can lead to reduced mortality, adverse events, costs, and improvement in antimicrobial susceptibility rates.
Insights
Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) are crucial for combating rising multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) in chronic hemodialysis patients. Implementing ASP can reduce mortality, adverse events, and costs while improving antimicrobial susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
- Public Health
Background:
- Chronic hemodialysis patients face increasing rates of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO).
- Antimicrobial exposure is a primary driver for MDRO emergence and spread.
- A significant percentage of antimicrobial doses in outpatient dialysis units are potentially unnecessary.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the essential components and interventions of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP).
- To emphasize the importance of ASP in the context of chronic hemodialysis settings.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence-based guidelines from professional societies.
- Adaptation of recommendations for the outpatient dialysis environment.
Main Results:
- Guidelines for ASP development and implementation exist.
- Many recommendations are adaptable to outpatient dialysis.
Conclusions:
- Implementing ASP in outpatient dialysis settings can decrease mortality and adverse events.
- ASP can lead to reduced healthcare costs and improved antimicrobial susceptibility rates.
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