CDC updates core elements of antibiotic stewardship for hospitals

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today updated its Core Elements for Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs to reflect experience and evidence since releasing the elements of successful stewardship programs in 2014. Among other changes, the updates provide additional examples of leadership commitment to antibiotic stewardship programs; highlight priority interventions and process measures; and emphasize the key role that pharmacists and nurses play in improving antibiotic use in hospitals, including nursing’s role in improving urine culturing practices. AHA and its American Organization for Nursing Leadership have been long-time partners in CDC’s antibiotic stewardship effort. About 85% of acute care hospitals reported having all seven of the core elements in place in 2018, up from 41% in 2014. Under a final rule released in September, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will require all acute care and critical access hospitals participating in Medicare to have antibiotic stewardship programs by March 30, 2020.