JUNE - 20238Antibiotic resistance has become a global health crisis, and inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is a major contributor to this problem. Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are particularly vulnerable to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics due to the high prevalence of infectious diseases and the complex medical needs of their residents.Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics in LTCFs is common and can lead to adverse outcomes such as Clostridium difficile infection, drug toxicity, and increased healthcare costs. According to recent studies, up to 75% of antibiotic prescriptions in LTCFs are inappropriate or unnecessary, and up to 25% of residents receive antibiotics without a clear indication.One of the reasons for this high rate of inappropriate prescribing is the lack of appropriate diagnostic tools and guidelines for antimicrobial use in LTCFs. Healthcare providers often rely on clinical judgment to diagnose infections and prescribe antibiotics, which can lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Furthermore, many LTCF residents have chronic comorbidities and are on multiple medications, which can complicate the diagnosis of infections and increase the risk of drug interactions and adverse drug reactions.Another contributing factor is the lack of strong antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) in many LTCFs. ASPs are essential for promoting the appropriate use of Antibiotic Inappropriate Prescribingin Long-Term Care Facilities: A Growing ConcernBy Shantel Rodriguez, BSN, RN, RAC-CT, LTC-CIP, Regional DirectorInfection Control & Prevention, MB HealthcareShantel RodriguezIn My Opinion
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