The Joint Commission joined the White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship's efforts to promote effective antibiotic stewardship at healthcare facilities.
Here are five key notes:
1. The Joint Commission will review its current standards and work with accredited organizations to identify new standards for effective antibiotic stewardship.
2. The Joint Commission will develop any new standards rapidly and simultaneously provide new tools to help providers use antibiotics judiciously, as this is a high priority for the organization.
3. Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate at least 2 million illnesses and 23,000 deaths occur in the United States caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Additionally, the agency found 20 percent to 50 percent of all antibiotics prescribed in acute care hospitals in the United States are unnecessary or inappropriate.
4. The Joint Commission currently has 16 standards related to antimicrobial stewardship, and one antimicrobial-relevant National Patient Safety Goal.
5. The organization is seeking the input of government entities on antibiotic resistant bacteria combat and research from other stakeholders for addressing any weaknesses and making changes in the accreditation standards.