It seems like I am on the theme of antibiotic stewardship of late. Here is the link to Choosing Wisely, specifically on antibiotic treatment in the hospital. This report is a collaboration between the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) and Consumer Reports.The message is simple:
Don’t continue antibiotics beyond 72 hours in hospitalized patients unless patient has clear evidence of infection.
Antibiotics are often started when a patient is possibly infected. After three days, laboratory and radiology information is available and antibiotics should either be deescalated to a narrow-spectrum antibiotic based on culture results or discontinued if evidence of infection is no longer present.
Lessening antibiotic use decreases risk of infections with Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) or antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Any questions?