Including bedside nurses in antibiotic stewardship activities has been identified by professional nursing groups and the CDC as an important – but missing – element in the success of these programs. To help fill this void, a new AHRQ-funded study published in the journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology identifies several areas where bedside nurses could play an enhanced role in improving antibiotic prescribing practices.
Nurses’ expertise can be used to:
- ensure appropriate testing for Clostridiodes difficile ( diff) infection through accurate documentation and medication reviews
- assess relevant indications before obtaining urine culture specimens to prevent the use of unnecessary antibiotics
- ensure optimal antibiotic administration by helping patients transition from intravenous to oral therapies
- obtain and document accurate patient histories of penicillin allergies
- use a team-based review to ensure that antibiotic therapies are not unnecessarily prolonged
The authors also identified ways to integrate nurses into an organization’s stewardship program, including on-the-job learning about antibiotics, potential drug interactions and adverse drug events. Effective communication and teamwork can also enhance nurses’ involvement in antibiotic stewardship activities, using tools such as AHRQ’s Safety Program for Improving Antibiotic Use.
