UT Dell 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. Antimicrobial resistance is a significant problem that affects human, animals, and the overall environment. It is estimated that 6 of the 18 most alarming antibiotic resistance threats cost the U.S. more than $4.6 billion annually. Estimates have ranged as high as $20 billion 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 one of the most vulnerable populations to AR due to long term care, immunocompromised disease processes, and high antimicrobial use. 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 while reducing the adverse events associated with Antimicrobial Use (AU) and to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics.
UT Dell Project Goal:
The overall goal of UT/Dell Medical collaboration pilot is to decrease Antimicrobial Resistance rates in long term facilities in the Austin/Travis and Williamson jurisdiction and then disseminate statewide.
UT Dell Project Objectives:
- Improve tracking of Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) data in long term facilities in Texas.
- Improve education of Antimicrobial Stewardship (AS) in long term facilities in Texas.
- Reduce AR by implementing standard Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) treatment guidelines and diagnostic protocols in long term facilities in Texas.
What’s Involved?
- Provider Education: Participants will receive updated evidence-based guidance on urinary tract infection (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 provide.
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
