Dell Medical School Antimicrobial Stewardship Pilot
Antimicrobial Stewardship Health Quality and Safety Collaborative to Improve Antibiotic Use in Nursing Homes.
Overview:
Antimicrobial resistance (AR) is an ongoing global public health challenge. Each year, approximately 2,868,700 infections and 35,900 deaths are a result of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi. AR is a significant problem that affects humans, animals, and the overall environment. It is estimated that 6 of the 18 most alarming AR threats cost the U.S. between more $4.6-20 billion annually in excess direct healthcare costs. According to CMS Part D data, outpatient antimicrobial prescriptions are highest in the Southern U.S. and continue to rise.
Nursing home (NH)/skilled nursing facility (SNF) residents represent are vulnerable populations to AR infections due to long term care stay, medical comorbidities, frailty and exposure to high antimicrobial use (AU). The implications of AR include an increase in treatment failures, morbidity and mortality, risks of hospitalizations, and the need for expensive and broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Antimicrobial Stewardship (AS) refers to a set of commitments and activities designed to optimize the treatment of infections with appropriate AU while reducing the adverse events associated with AU.
Dell Medical School Project Goal:
The Dell Medical collaboration pilot is to decrease AR rates in long-term care facilities (LTCF) in the Austin/Travis and Williamson jurisdiction through AS practices then disseminate best practice tools statewide.
Dell Medical School Project Objectives:
- Provide tools to improve AU in LTCFs in Texas.
- Reduce AR by implementing standard diagnostic protocols and treatment guidelines for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in LTCFs in Texas.
- Improve tracking of AU in LTCFs in Texas.
What’s Involved?
- Provider Education: Participants will receive updated evidence-based guidance on UTI treatment.
- Staff Education: Staff members will follow evidence-based protocols for urine collection.
- Resident and Family Engagement: Ensuring everyone is informed and engaged.
- Data Collection: Information on UTI diagnostic criteria and antibiotic use will be shared with facility staff and providers.
When does it start?
In February 2024, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) began collaborating with Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin to partner with nursing facilities.
Interested in Participating?
Contact the Antimicrobial Stewardship Team at DSHS:
Phone: (737) 256-8105
