The national campaign will highlight the coordinated efforts of CDC, state and local health departments and non-profit and for-profit partners to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use in both community and healthcare settings. Taking or prescribing antibiotics when they are not needed creates additional health risks and can lead to antibiotic resistance by bacteria.
Data from published studies show that approximately 50 percent of antibiotics are unnecessarily prescribed or inappropriate, and more than $1.1 billion is spent annually on unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory infections in adults. Antibiotic-resistant infections can also lead to worse outcomes for patients, including higher mortality.
Read the CDC news release about Get Smart About Antibiotics Week.
Read other coverage about quality:
– Researchers Assess How to Reduce Risk of Perioperative Hypothermia
– 3 Surprising Places to Find Bacteria
– 7 Steps Spine Surgeons Should Take to Prevent Infections
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
