2047. GAIN (Generating Antimicrobial Stewardship Initiatives in Chicago Skilled Nursing Facilities) Collaborative: Cumulative Results of Point Prevalence Surveys Assessing Antibiotic Appropriateness in Four Chicago Skilled Nursing Facilities

Abstract

Abstract Background Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) in long-term care facilities are a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services requirement as of 2017. The CDC estimates 40–75% of antibiotic prescribing in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) is inappropriate. Overuse of antibiotics can cause harm by increasing the risk of adverse drug events (including C. difficile infections) and antimicrobial resistance. Methods The GAIN Collaborative was launched to assist SNFs in improving antibiotic prescribing. A list of antibiotics prescribed was generated from the electronic health records, and a chart review was performed. Results Antibiotic orders from September 2018 to March 2019 were randomly selected at 4 SNFs, and 120 antibiotic courses were reviewed (23, 40, 25, and 32 at SNFs A-D). Bed size ranged from 72 to 156 (median 88). Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing ranged from 60 to 78% (median 71%) among facilities. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) were the most frequent indication (40%), followed by lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), and skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs), accounting for 26% and 19% of indications, respectively. Inappropriate prescribing rates by indication were 90% for UTIs, 78% for SSTIs, and 47% for LRTIs. The most common reasons for inappropriate antibiotic prescribing were: insufficient signs and symptoms based on the Loeb minimum criteria for starting antibiotics (43%), inappropriate agent selection (30%), and lengthy treatment durations (29%). The majority of antibiotics prescribed were β-lactams (42%) or fluoroquinolones (29%). The median antibiotic prescription duration for non-catheter-associated UTIs was 5 days, LRTIs was 7 days, catheter-associated UTIs was 10 days, prophylaxis was 10 days, and SSTIs was 13 days. Conclusion Inappropriate antibiotic use was common in the four Chicago SNFs assessed. Results were presented at each facility’s Quality Assurance meeting to deliver provider-focused feedback. Additionally, provider and nursing education has been conducted at the four SNFs aimed at reducing unnecessary treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria. Any improvements in antibiotic use will be captured through repeat point prevalence surveys post-implementation of a UTI SBAR communication tool and common infection treatment guidelines. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.