Here are six key facts:
1. Estimates find such infections cause nearly 2.05 million illnesses every year.
2. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria result in 23,000 deaths annually.
3. CDC estimates find Clostridium difficile contributes to 250,000 illnesses and 14,000 deaths.
4. In March 2017, the World Health Organization compiled a list of antibiotic-resistant pathogens it deemed a priority. WHO named the following three pathogens as the highest priority:
● Acinetobacter baumannii, carbapenem-resistant
● Pseudomonas aeruginosa, carbapenem-resistant
● Enterobacteriaceae, carbapenem-resistant, ESBL-producing
5. Overprescribing antibiotics is a major concern to medical professionals as this practice drives the growing number of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The American Psychological Association published two studies finding physicians are more prone to prescribe antibiotics if a patient has high expectations
6. Jeffrey A. Linder, MD, associate professor of medicine in the general internal medicine division at Boston-based Brigham and Women’s Hospital, gave the following strategies to limit antibiotic prescribing:
● Put up information which give staff members information about antibiotics’ side effects and why they may not be effective when fighting viral infections
● Peer comparison
● Have alerts on EHR systems if a provider tries to order an antibiotic not typically indicated for that diagnosis
● Have providers justify their order for antibiotics
More articles on quality and infection control:
3 data security tips to ensure patient safety
WHO: 12 highest priority superbugs
Global patient safety & risk management software market to grow at 11.5% CAGR through 2022 — 4 points
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
