A dedicated infectious disease physician and 3 antibiotic stewardship were hired to run an antibiotic stewardship program (ASP), the goals of which were to decrease broad-spectrum antibiotic use and reduce Clostridium difficile readmission (CDR) for the healthcare system, with the ASP group making recommendations for treatment. CDR was reduced (control group, 17.53% vs intervention group, 14.12%; P >.05) for the healthcare system. However, overall cost-savings for the healthcare system of $1.3 million was realized. The academic medical center with more than 400 beds had a significant reduction in CDR (control group, 21% vs intervention group, 10.5%; P <.05). Cost-savings estimated from CDR were $610,923. Finally, length of stay was reduced by 1 day for inpatients with C difficile admitted in the academic medical center.
An ASP has immediate impact on patient care and safety, plays a large role in treating the appropriate disease state, and reduces unnecessary readmission to the acute care hospital.
Source: Anthone J, et al. IDWeek 2018. Abstract 527.