Purpose: A novel automatic discontinuation policy implemented within an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) is described, and results of an evaluation of the policy's effects on antibiotic usage are reported.
Methods: A retrospective, before-and-after study was conducted at an 800-bed, tertiary care, academic teaching hospital to evaluate selected antibiotic usage outcomes in both intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU adult patients targeted for ASP interventions before and after implementation of an automatic discontinuation of antibiotics policy (ADAP) authorizing the ASP team to automatically halt antibiotic therapy in cases involving inappropriate duplicate antimicrobial coverage or excess duration of therapy. The primary outcome was total days of antibiotic therapy.
Background: Given the significant public health burden of pulmonary diseases and the vital role pharmacists play in management across the continuum of care (and within transitions in care), an elective course for pharmacy students focused on pulmonary diseases was developed.
Educational Activity: A month-long elective course for third-year pharmacy students consisting of 12 class sessions delivered in two-hour periods three times per week, was implemented. The course was delivered using the team-based learning (TBL) format in addition to hands-on skills and simulation sessions.