Implementing and Evaluating an Evidence-based Antibiotic Stewardship Policy/Protocol in a Long-Term Care Facility

Written by Katrina Cudal, JoAnn S. Oliver, & Christina J. Ezemenaka

doi: https://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr.2024.14.01.1407

Abstract

Objective: To implement and evaluate an evidence-based antibiotic stewardship policy/protocol in a long-term care facility to determine if the antibiotic stewardship policy/protocol can decrease the inappropriate antibiotic treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in nursing home residents.

Methods: This quality improvement project implemented the antibiotic stewardship policy/protocol in a long-term care facility. Training was provided to the health care providers and staff at the long-term facility to educate them around this new antibiotic stewardship policy/protocol. Data collection was completed pre and post implementation of the antibiotic stewardship policy/protocol to evaluate improvement in practice.

Results: There was a decrease in the number of inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for UTIs after the implementation of the antibiotic stewardship policy/protocol in a long-term care setting.

Conclusion: Implementing an evidence-based antibiotic stewardship policy/protocol in a long term care facility may promote a decrease in the rate of inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for UTIs. Constant communication and real-time feedback with health care providers help reinforce the information about the evidence-based antibiotic stewardship policy/protocol which helps contribute to successful implementation.

Keywords: antibiotic stewardship, antimicrobial stewardship, urinary tract infection, nursing home, long-term care facilities.