2051. Frequency of Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescribing in Nursing Homes

Abstract

Abstract Background Antibiotics are among the most prescribed medications in nursing homes (NHs). The increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant and C. Difficile infections due to antibiotic overuse has driven the requirement for NHs to establish antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs). However, estimates of the frequency of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in NHs have varied considerably between studies. We evaluated the frequency of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in a multi-state sample of NHs. Methods We utilized a retrospective, (20%) random sample of residents of 17 for-profit NHs in Oregon, California, and Nevada who received antibiotics between January 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018. Study NHs ranged in size from 50 to 188 beds and offered services including subacute care, long-term care, ventilator care, and Alzheimer’s/memory care. Data were collected from residents’ electronic medical records. Antibiotic appropriateness was defined using Loeb Minimum Criteria for initiation of antibiotics for residents with indications for lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), urinary tract infection (UTI) and skin and soft-tissue infection (SSTI). Residents with other types of infections were excluded from the study. Results Among 232 antibiotic prescriptions reviewed, 61% (141/232) were initiated in the NH. Of these, 65% were for female residents and 81% were for residents above the age of 65. Nearly 70% (98/141) of antibiotic prescriptions were for an indication of an LRTI, UTI, or SSTI of which 51% (57% of LRTIs, 52% of UTIs, and 35% of SSTIs) did not meet the Loeb Minimum Criteria and were determined to be inappropriate. Among antibiotics that did not meet the Loeb Minimum Criteria, more than half were cephalosporins (40%) or fluoroquinolones (14%) and the median (interquartile range) duration of therapy was 7 (5–10) days. Conclusion These data from a multi-state sample of NHs suggest the continued need for improvement in antibiotic prescribing practices and the importance of ASPs in NHs. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.