Failure to Implement Antibiotic Stewardship Protocols
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its established antibiotic stewardship protocols for monitoring appropriate antibiotic use for three residents. According to the facility's Antibiotic Stewardship Guidelines, an 'antibiotic time out' is required every time antibiotics are prescribed, with a reassessment within 48 hours to adjust or discontinue treatment as indicated. Record review showed that three residents were prescribed antibiotics for wound infection and urinary tract infections, but no antibiotic time outs were completed for these orders. During an interview, the Infection Preventionist confirmed that the required antibiotic time outs were not performed and that missed time outs or infections not meeting criteria were not reported to the quality committee.