On April 22 we had a pipe elbow failure in our Emergency Department (ED) causing a significant water leak. Crews are assessing the impact and we are in the process of water abatement. Our ED is open, but several rooms are currently offline which could increase wait times. Some surgeries are also being rescheduled.
Antimicrobial Stewardship: Significant Improvements in 2024
On behalf of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Team, we would like to extend our sincere thanks for your thoughtful and judicious use of antimicrobials throughout the year. Your commitment to antimicrobial stewardship plays a crucial role in slowing resistance and ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients. We understand the complexities involved in managing infections and recognize that antibiotics are just one piece of the larger picture of comprehensive patient care. We are pleased to share that we have made significant improvements in several areas this year.
- Shorter courses of 7-10 days were appropriately chosen in 82% of uncomplicated GNR bacteremia cases.
- For complicated GNR bacteremia cases, infectious disease consultations were appropriately sought 100% of the time, highlighting our collective efforts in managing complex infections.
- Of 1,972 patients with documented penicillin allergies who received antibiotics in the hospital or clinic in 2024, cephalosporins were appropriately selected over a non-beta lactam 75% of the time, demonstrating a high level of appropriate antibiotic choice. Additionally, the test dose panel has been used 20 times since going live.
- Antibiotic usage trends over the past two years further reflect appropriate stewardship practices including a shift towards more targeted therapies:
o Ceftriaxone use has increased by 18%.
o Piperacillin-tazobactam use has decreased by 47%.
o The use of cefepime and carbapenems has remained stable.
As we continue our shared commitment to quality, we remain dedicated to providing practical, evidence-based stewardship recommendations that support your efforts in delivering optimal care.
Thanks to Antimicrobial Stewardship Team members, Joanne Huang, PharmD, and Mike Hori, MD for recognizing these achievements and preparing the data above
Bonus: Discover your inner antibiotic! Take this quiz to uncover which antibiotic best represents your unique personality traits.
Link to quiz