Characteristics of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs at Veterans Affairs Hospitals: Results of a Nationwide Survey

• DOI: 10.1017/ice.2016.26
• Publication Date: 2016-02-24T09:36:34Z
• Authors: Ann F. Chou; Christopher J. Gr...; Makoto Jones; Yue Zhang; Matthew Bidwell G...; Karl Madaras-Kelly; Matthew Samore; Allison Kelly; Peter A. Glassman
• Keywords: Veterans Affairs; Antimicrobial Stewardship; Stewardship

BACKGROUND Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are variably implemented. OBJECTIVE To characterize variations of antimicrobial structure and practices across all inpatient Veterans Affairs facilities in 2012 correlate key characteristics with usage. DESIGN A web-based survey regarding activities was administered to each facility’s designated contact. Bivariate associations between facility use during were determined. SETTING Total 130 services. RESULTS Of responding facilities, 29 (22%) had a formal policy establishing an ASP, 12 (9%) approved ASP business plan. teams present 49 (38%); 34 included clinical pharmacist infectious diseases (ID) training. Stewardship varied including development yearly antibiograms (122 [94%]), formulary restrictions (120 [92%]), stop orders for duration (98 [75%]), written pathways specific conditions (96 [74%]). Decreased usage associated having at least 1 full-time ID physician ( P= .03), fellowship program .003), training .006) as well frequency systematic patient-level reviews .01) address the context Clostridium difficile infection .01). Stop increased .03). CONCLUSIONS ASP-related considerably. antibiotic appeared related presence certain select practices. Further statistical assessments may help optimize Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:647–654