Antimicrobial stewardship in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections

Abstract

Background Research on treating skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) has shown improved patient outcomes with effective pharmaceutic prescribing. Antimicrobial stewardship programs can reduce consequences of broad-spectrum antimicrobial administration in SSTI treatment. Methods Prospective and historic control data were collected during two 7-month periods. Intervention consisted of implementing a new SSTI evidence-based treatment algorithm and provider education, including calls and medical record notes targeted at physicians. Results Of 412 patients, 76 and 86 were found eligible from the historic and intervention groups, respectively. The intervention group had a higher prevalence of appropriate antibiotic usage (33% vs 19%, respectively; P =.04). There was a lower median number of days from intravenous antibiotic therapy to oral conversion (3 vs 5; P