Antibiotic Prescribing in United States Nursing Homes, 2013-2017

In this national cohort of older adults residing long-term in US nursing homes between 2013 and 2017, we calculated period prevalence estimates for antibiotic prescribing, rates of prescribing, and days of therapy. Among 1 375 062 residents, 66.2% were prescribed at least 1 antibiotic during the nursing home stay. The most prevalent antibiotic classes were fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides and related agents, and first-generation cephalosporins. Levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim were the most prevalent antibiotics. These results can inform antibiotic stewardship interventions to reduce antibiotic overprescribing, improve appropriateness, and reduce related adverse outcomes in nursing homes. In this national cohort of >1 million long-stay US nursing home residents between 2013 and 2017, 66.2% were prescribed at least 1 antibiotic during their nursing home stay. Fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides/related agents, and first-generation cephalosporins were the most prevalent antibiotic classes.

Automated summary

In a national cohort study of older adults in US nursing homes from 2013 to 2017, it was found that 66.2% of the residents were prescribed at least 1 antibiotic during their stay. The most common antibiotic classes were fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides and related agents, and first-generation cephalosporins. Levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim were the most prevalent antibiotics. These findings provide valuable information for improving antibiotic prescribing practices and reducing adverse outcomes in nursing homes.