Key points
- Antibiotic stewardship programs improve how hospitals use antibiotics and result in improved patient outcomes.
- About 1 in 3 antibiotics prescribed in hospitals is not needed or are prescribed incorrectly.
Overview
Improving antibiotic use in hospitals is an important part of improving patient outcomes. Antibiotic use can cause serious side effects, such as Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection and other undesirable effects.
Antibiotic resistance is a growing crisis in the United States, and antibiotic use is an important driving factor.
Benefits of antibiotic stewardship
Antibiotic stewardship programs focus on improving how healthcare facilities prescribe and use antibiotics. The benefits of implementing a program can include the following:
- Reduced C. difficile infections and other complications from antibiotics
- Decreased antibiotic resistance
- Improved infection cure rates
In addition, antibiotic stewardship programs can improve patient outcomes while saving hospitals and patients money.
Hospitals in rural areas
Smaller rural hospitals use antibiotics just as much as larger hospitals. They also face just as many challenges with antibiotic resistance. Small hospitals may face unique challenges with stewardship programs due to limited resources. See the resources below for new guidance on prescribing and using antibiotics in small and critical access hospitals.
Resources
What the Science Says - Evidence to support antibiotic stewardship
Antibiotic Stewardship Strategies - Implementation of Core Elements for Small and Critical Access Hospitals
Antibiotic Use in Hospitals and Long-Term Care - New and revised requirements for antibiotic stewardship