Antibiotic/Antimicrobial Stewardship
Antimicrobial Stewardship (AS) is a coordinated program that promotes the appropriate use of antimicrobials (including antibiotics), improves patient outcomes, reduces microbial resistance, and decreases the spread of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms.
Overview
The use of antibiotics is the single most important factor leading to antibiotic resistance around the world. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates, more than two million people are infected with antibiotic-resistant organisms and approximately 23,000 of these infections result in death annually.
In U.S. acute care hospitals, it is estimated that 20-50% of all antibiotics prescribed are either unnecessary or inappropriate. Through the promotion of evidence-based antibiotic stewardship programs we can improve individual patient outcomes, reduce overall burden of antibiotic resistance, and decrease healthcare costs.
Upcoming Antimicrobial Stewardship Policy Writing Workshop for Nursing Homes
Join the Healthcare Safety Unit’s Antimicrobial Stewardship (AS) team for an interactive AS workshop in July 2023. Highlights of the 3-day virtual event include:
- Learning AS policy writing for nursing homes
- Interactive discussion about antimicrobial resistance in nursing homes
- Reviewing tools to track antimicrobial use
Attendees should join all three days. Use the links below to register for each day:
- Day 1 on July 17, 2023: 1-3:00 PM
- Day 2 on July 18, 2023: 1-2:30 PM
- Day 3 on July 19, 2023: 1-2:00 PM
Continuing Education will be provided for attendees of all 3 days.
Continuing Medical Education:
The Texas Department of State Health Services, Continuing Education Service is accredited by the Texas Medical Association to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Texas Department of State Health Services, Continuing Education Service designates this live event for a maximum of 4.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
The Texas Department of State Health Services, Continuing Education Service is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
The Texas Department of State Health Services, Continuing Education Service has awarded 4.50 contact hour(s) of nursing continuing professional development.
Licensed Nursing Facility Administrators:
The Texas Department of State Health Services, Continuing Education Service is approved to provide Licensed Nursing Facility Administrator continuing education hours, per LTCR Licensing and Credentialing, HHSC Regulatory Services. This program has been approved for Continuing Education for 4.50 total participant hours.
Certificate of Attendance:
The Texas Department of State Health Services, Continuing Education Service has designated 4.50 hour(s) for attendance.
Advisory Committees
Application submission period for the Antimicrobial Stewardship Regional Advisory Committees Public Health Region 1 has been reopened for the Director of Nursing position. If you are interested, please submit an application by June 30th, 2023.
U.S. Antibiotic Stewardship Awareness Week
Coming: November 18-24, 2023
Join Texas DSHS Antibiotic Stewardship Program in supporting the CDC’s observance of the U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) - November 18-24, 2023. This week-long observance highlights the steps everyone can take to improve antibiotic prescribing and use.