Strategies for Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance in US Hospitals

Written By Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Summary

  • Hospitals in the United States are facing a critical challenge in managing antimicrobial drugs while combating Antimicrobial Resistance.
  • Proper access and utilization of antimicrobial drugs are essential to effectively treat infections and prevent resistance.
  • Implementing strategies such as antibiotic stewardship programs, infection prevention measures, and collaboration with pharmacists can help hospitals address these challenges.

    • Introduction

    Antimicrobial Resistance is a growing concern in healthcare, posing a serious threat to patient safety and public health. Hospitals in the United States are at the forefront of this issue, as they play a critical role in managing antimicrobial drugs and combating resistance. In order to ensure proper access and utilization of these life-saving medications, hospitals need to implement effective strategies that promote responsible use and stewardship. This article will explore various strategies that hospitals can implement to address the challenges of Antimicrobial Resistance while ensuring the availability of effective treatments for Infectious Diseases.

    Antibiotic Stewardship Programs

    Antibiotic stewardship programs are a key component of efforts to combat Antimicrobial Resistance in hospitals. These programs help healthcare facilities optimize the use of antibiotics by promoting appropriate prescribing practices, reducing unnecessary use, and preventing the spread of resistant bacteria. Hospitals can implement the following strategies as part of their antibiotic stewardship efforts:

    1. Establishing a multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship team consisting of infectious disease specialists, pharmacists, microbiologists, and other healthcare professionals.
    2. Developing guidelines and protocols for antimicrobial prescribing based on the latest evidence and guidelines from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).
    3. Monitoring antibiotic use and resistance patterns within the hospital to identify areas for improvement and track progress over time.
    4. Providing education and training to Healthcare Providers on proper antibiotic use, resistance mechanisms, and the importance of stewardship.
    5. Implementing interventions such as pre-authorization requirements, prospective audit and feedback, and guideline-based order sets to promote appropriate antibiotic prescribing.

    Infection Prevention and Control

    In addition to antibiotic stewardship, hospitals can also implement infection prevention and control measures to reduce the spread of resistant bacteria and prevent infections. These measures help create a safer environment for patients and healthcare workers, while also preserving the effectiveness of antimicrobial drugs. Key strategies for infection prevention and control in hospitals include:

    1. Adherence to Hand Hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and the use of hand sanitizer, to prevent the transmission of bacteria.
    2. Implementing environmental cleaning protocols to ensure that surfaces and equipment are properly disinfected and free of pathogens.
    3. Implementing contact precautions for patients with resistant infections to prevent the spread of bacteria to others.
    4. Screening patients for multidrug-resistant organisms upon admission and implementing appropriate isolation measures as needed.

    Collaboration with Pharmacists

    Pharmacists play a crucial role in antimicrobial stewardship efforts within hospitals, as they are experts in medication management and have specialized knowledge of antimicrobial drugs. Collaboration between pharmacists and Healthcare Providers can help optimize antibiotic use and ensure that patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment. Hospitals can promote collaboration with pharmacists by:

    1. Engaging pharmacists in antimicrobial stewardship activities, such as medication reviews, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, and dose adjustments.
    2. Providing pharmacists with access to real-time antimicrobial prescribing data and resistance patterns to support decision-making.
    3. Incorporating pharmacists into interdisciplinary rounds and patient care teams to provide expertise on antimicrobial therapy and assist with treatment decisions.
    4. Offering Continuing Education and Training Opportunities for pharmacists to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in antimicrobial therapy and resistance.

    Conclusion

    Proper access and utilization of antimicrobial drugs are essential to effectively treat infections and prevent the development of resistance. Hospitals in the United States can address the challenges of Antimicrobial Resistance by implementing strategies such as antibiotic stewardship programs, infection prevention measures, and collaboration with pharmacists. By working together to promote responsible antibiotic use and stewardship, hospitals can protect patient safety, preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobial drugs, and combat the growing threat of resistance.

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Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Lauren Davis is a certified phlebotomist with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Miami. With 5 years of hands-on experience in both hospital and mobile phlebotomy settings, Lauren has developed a passion for ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during blood draws. She has extensive experience in pediatric, geriatric, and inpatient phlebotomy, and is committed to advancing the practices of blood collection to improve both accuracy and patient satisfaction.

Lauren enjoys writing about the latest phlebotomy techniques, patient communication, and the importance of adhering to best practices in laboratory safety. She is also an advocate for continuing education in the field and frequently conducts workshops to help other phlebotomists stay updated with industry standards.

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