The National Quality Forum (NQF) has released the Antibiotic Stewardship in Acute Care: A Practical Playbook, a new tool to promote the safe use of antibiotics and limit the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
This resource was created with the assistance of more than 40 organizations from around the United States. Experts provided real-world experience and examples on how to implement the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) seven core elements of hospital antibiotic stewardship programs. The tool includes examples for implementation, potential barriers and suggested solutions, and suggested tools and resources.
Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern. The CDC has said it potentially could be the single most important infectious disease threat of our time. Most recently, researchers found the first person in the United States carrying bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics of last resort. CDC officials are working with Pennsylvania public health officials to screen this patient and her contacts to see if others are carrying the bacteria.
Contact Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.