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Wolf Administration Highlights Importance of Infection Prevention in Nursing Homes

07/24/2018

Elizabethtown, PA – Today at Masonic Village Nursing Home in Elizabethtown, Wolf Administration officials emphasized the importance of improving antibiotic stewardship practices and reducing inappropriate use of antibiotics.

“Bacterial infections that are resistant to medicine are difficult to treat, and pose a serious health risk to all Pennsylvanians, particularly the elderly whose bodies may not be able to easily fight off infections,” Secretary of Health Dr. Levine said. “One way to keep older residents safe from these dangerous infections is to make sure antibiotics are always used appropriately, especially in our nursing homes.”

Antibiotics are one of the most commonly prescribed medications in nursing homes, but up to 75 percent are incorrectly prescribed. The intensity of antibiotic prescribing and use to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) in nursing home facilities increases the risk for life-threatening adverse effects. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics has contributed to the rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including Clostridium difficile, better known as c-diff, infections.

Nursing home antibiotic stewardship practices should include:

  • Leadership commitment – Demonstrate support and commitment to safe and appropriate antibiotic use;
  • Accountability – Identify physician, nursing and pharmacy leads responsible for promoting and overseeing antibiotic stewardship activities;
  • Drug expertise – Establish access to consultant pharmacists or other experts with experience or training in improving antibiotic use;
  • Action – Implement at least one new policy or practice to improve the way antibiotics are used in the facility;
  • Tracking – Measure how antibiotics are used and the complications from antibiotics in the facility;
  • Reporting – Share regular feedback on antibiotic use and resistance to prescribing physicians, nursing staff, and pharmacists; and
  • Education – Provide resources to healthcare providers, nursing staff, residents, and families to learn about the antibiotic resistance and opportunities for improving antibiotic use.

The departments of Health and Aging advise nursing home residents and their families to:

  • Ask the physician if antibiotics are needed and say that you’re concerned about developing resistance;
  • Don’t pressure them to prescribe antibiotics “just in case;”
  • Prevent getting sick in the first place by washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough, and getting appropriate vaccines; and
  • If antibiotics are prescribed, make sure they are taken as directed.

“The Wolf Administration is committed to ensuring that older Pennsylvanians who reside in a state licensed nursing facility, and their families, are able to engage in a conversation with their health care provider about antibiotic resistance,” said Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne. “We all have a stewardship role to play in better understanding alternatives to and improving antibiotic use that will ensure that these life-saving medications are effective and available when needed.” 

In November 2017, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) required long-term care facilities to establish antibiotic stewardship practices, including antibiotic use protocols and prescription monitoring, as part of their infection prevention and control programs. Antibiotic stewardship requirements will decrease unnecessary and inappropriate antibiotic use, making it possible for nursing home residents who need antibiotics to be prescribed the right drug at the right dose for the right duration.

To learn more about antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention practices in nursing homes, visit the Department of Health’s website at health.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Nate Wardle, 717-787-1783 or RA-DHPressOffice@pa.gov

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