962. Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship at Colorado Hospitals

Abstract

Abstract Background Although antibiotics are essential to pediatric care, many pediatric antimicrobial prescriptions are inappropriate. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are implemented to mitigate these instances of inappropriate prescription, but little is known about how these programs are applied to pediatric care. To better understand extension of ASP to pediatric patients, barriers to pediatric stewardship, and desired resources for pediatric stewardship, we assessed stewardship practices as applied to pediatric patients and identified barriers to including this vulnerable population across Colorado hospitals. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation including a survey and semi-structured interviews with the objective of characterizing and assisting Colorado ASPs. Forty-one hospitals responded to the survey and 24 programs were interviewed, of 103 possible hospitals. Results Of the 41 hospitals responding to the survey and 23 hospitals interviewed, 35 (85%) and 23 (90%) cared for pediatric patients respectively. Of hospitals caring for neonatal and general pediatric patients, only 17% and 14% employed rigorous stewardship practices for the action, tracking, and reporting stewardship core elements for these populations (compared to 50% and 31% for their adult patients). Notably, we found many programs inaptly combined adult and pediatric ASP efforts (18 hospitals, 81%), including frequent combining of adult and pediatric antibiotic use data, versus separating these patient populations (3 hospitals, 14%). Barriers to priority pediatric stewardship included lack of pediatric expertise and perceived low priority for pediatric stewardship due to lower volumes. The most desired pediatric resources were clinical care guidelines and pediatric stewardship education. Conclusion Though most hospitals in Colorado care for pediatric patients, priority stewardship in pediatrics is rare. Resources to assist pediatric ASP are uncommon, and incentive to develop such resources may be low. Public health departments and pediatric hospitals can help combat antimicrobial resistance and improve pediatric care in community settings by providing easier access to pediatric expertise. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.