Opportunities for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Abstract

Overuse of antibiotics in the inpatient, outpatient, and skilled nursing facility (SNF) settings has accelerated the emergence of resistant bacteria. Multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) are becoming common, with over 35% of SNF residents colonized or infected with MDROs in some studies. The emergence of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) in acute care hospitals has led to decreased antibiotic resistance, improved patient outcomes, reduced adverse events (including Clostridium difficile infections), and lower costs. In September 2016, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized a rule requiring ASPs in every SNF.