272623 Optimizing use of antimicrobials in human medicine and model stewardship programs

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 2:50 PM - 3:05 PM

Trent G. Towne, PharmD, BCPS, AQID , Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manchester College School of Pharmacy, Fort Wayne, IN
There is a 50% chance that a person who is hospitalized will receive an antibiotic. Recent studies have estimated that antibiotic use in these patients is inappropriate and unnecessary up to 30% of the time. In the outpatient setting, one study demonstrated that 80% of patients receiving antibiotics for acute respiratory infections provided no therapeutic benefit to the patient according to national guidelines. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics at all levels of human healthcare have led to a rapid rise in rates of resistant organisms, increased patient toxicities and secondarily increased healthcare costs. This portion of the session will highlight the rationale for optimizing use of antimicrobials in human medicine, professional guidelines on antimicrobial stewardship, and local programs working to promote the appropriate use of antimicrobials in health care. We will also cover antimicrobial susceptibility and utilization surveillance efforts at the local level and the potential impact of these data.

Learning Areas:
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
Discuss the rationale for optimizing use of antimicrobials in human medicine Describe current antimicrobial susceptibility and utilization surveillance efforts at the local level Illustrate a model for antimicrobial stewardship program at the local hospital level

Keywords: Antimicrobial Drugs, Policy/Policy Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been a licensed and registered pharmacist for 6 years. During this time I have completed 2 years of residency, one of which specialized in infectious diseases (ID) pharmacy. I have practiced in the field of ID pharmacy for approximately 4 years as a part of an ID consult service and antimicrobial stewardship program. I am currently a board certified pharmacotherapy specialist with a focus in infectious diseases pharmacotherapy.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.