A practice guide on antimicrobial stewardship in nursing homes.

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Infectious Disease Control
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Nursing homes require tailored strategies for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS).
• Existing hospital AMS guidelines need adaptation for the unique elderly care setting.
• A project in the Netherlands informed the development of a practical AMS guide for nursing homes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a practice guide for establishing antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs in nursing homes.
• To provide practical tools and recommendations for implementing AMS in long-term care facilities.
• To emphasize a multidisciplinary approach for effective AMS program oversight.

Main Methods:

• Adapting existing hospital AMS guidelines for nursing home settings.
• Developing practical tools and recommendations for AMS implementation.
• Focusing on a multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, pharmacists, and nursing staff.
• Outlining a feasible work process for an antibiotic team (A-team).

Main Results:

• The guide addresses essential conditions for initiating AMS programs.
• It details a comprehensive approach to embedding AMS, including education for staff and residents.
• A practical A-team work process is proposed to foster continuous learning and improve antibiotic prescribing quality.
• The guide facilitates collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals.

Conclusions:

• Nursing homes can establish effective AMS programs using this practice guide.
• A multidisciplinary, collaborative approach is crucial for successful AMS implementation in elderly care.
• The guide supports a culture of continuous improvement in antibiotic prescribing within nursing homes.