Antimicrobial Stewardship: Antibiotic Use Tracking
One of the most important ways the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and Department of Health Services (DHS) helps improve antibiotic use is conducting surveillance and analyzing data to support health care facilities and providers in making evidence-based choices for their patients. Health care facilities, providers, health departments, and other partners can use these data to identify opportunities to improve antibiotic stewardship efforts.
At the local level, each facility should explore ways to track antibiotic prescribing and resistance to benefit patient care. This includes tracking antibiotic use and resistance through systems like the CDC National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) or products attached to electronic medical records. Tracking is essential to understand the current prescribing landscape within a facility and to drive changes when necessary.
Resources
Tracking and Reporting: Community Antibiotic Stewardship Core Elements
Most Used Tools to Achieve the Action Core Elements of Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship
Helpful tools from the CDC
Questions about HAIs? Contact us!
HAI website | Phone: 608-267-7711 | Fax: 608-261-4976