Antibiotic stewardship for urinary tract infection: A program evaluation

Evidence supporting the use of antibiotic stewardship programs (ASP) is growing in a variety of healthcare settings for its association with improved patient outcomes, decreased resistance, and improved healthcare costs. There have been few studies supporting this evidence in long-term care facilities. This project involved a program evaluation of a long-term care facility's ASP for urinary tract infection (UTI) management. Improvement in appropriate diagnosing and antibiotic prescribing for UTI was noted, but no conclusions could be made regarding the effect on patient outcomes. The ASP was considered beneficial in this facility and highlighted areas for improvement, notably the need for sustained commitment by facility leadership and healthcare providers. Nurse practitioners are equipped with the skills necessary to assist facilities with education and implementation of systematic programs for judicious antibiotic prescribing. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

There is growing evidence supporting the use of antibiotic stewardship programs (ASP) in various healthcare settings due to their association with improved patient outcomes, reduced resistance, and better healthcare costs. However, research on this evidence in long-term care facilities is limited. This study evaluated the ASP for urinary tract infection (UTI) management in a long-term care facility. It found improvements in appropriate diagnosis and antibiotic prescribing for UTI, but could not draw conclusions on the impact on patient outcomes. The ASP was considered beneficial in the facility, highlighting the need for sustained commitment from facility leadership and healthcare providers. Nurse practitioners have the necessary skills to support facilities in educating and implementing systematic programs for judicious antibiotic prescribing.