title: Antimicrobial Stewardship for a Geriatric Behavioral Health Population.
abstract: Antimicrobial resistance is a growing public health concern. Antimicrobial stewardship and multi-disciplinary intervention can prevent inappropriate antimicrobial use and improve patient care. Special populations, especially older adults and patients with mental health disorders, can be particularly in need of such intervention. The purpose of this project was to assess the impact of pharmacist intervention on appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing on a geriatric psychiatric unit (GPU). Patients ≥18 years old prescribed oral antibiotics during GPU admission were included. Antimicrobial appropriateness was assessed pre- and post-pharmacist intervention. During the six-month pre- and post-intervention phase, 63 and 70 patients prescribed antibiotics were identified, respectively. Subjects in the post-intervention group had significantly less inappropriate doses for indication compared to the pre-intervention group (10.6% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.02), and significantly less antibiotics prescribed for an inappropriate duration (15.8% vs. 32.4%, p < 0.01). There were no significant differences for use of appropriate drug for indication or appropriate dose for renal function between groups. Significantly more patients in the post intervention group had medications prescribed with appropriate dose, duration, and indication (51% vs. 66%, p = 0.04). Pharmacist intervention was associated with decreased rates of inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing on a geriatric psychiatric unit.
authors.affiliation: Banner Medical University Center South, 2800 E Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713, USA. ellis@pharmacy.arizona.edu.|University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, 1295 N Martin PO Box 210202, Tucson, AZ 85721-0202, USA. ellis@pharmacy.arizona.edu.
authors.forename: Kristen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.affiliation: Banner Medical University Center South, 2800 E Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713, USA. georgina.rubal-peace@bannerhealth.com.
authors.forename: Georgina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rubal-Peace
authors.affiliation: University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, 1295 N Martin PO Box 210202, Tucson, AZ 85721-0202, USA. chang@pharmacy.arizona.edu.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, 1295 N Martin PO Box 210202, Tucson, AZ 85721-0202, USA. liang@pharmacy.arizona.edu.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.affiliation: University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, 1295 N Martin PO Box 210202, Tucson, AZ 85721-0202, USA. nwong@pharmacy.arizona.edu.
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.affiliation: University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, 1295 N Martin PO Box 210202, Tucson, AZ 85721-0202, USA. scampbell@pharmacy.arizona.edu.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Campbell
keywords: antimicrobial stewardship; geriatric; mental health; pharmacist