2097. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Missouri Hospitals: Facilitators, Barriers, and Complexity of Implementation

Abstract

Abstract Background Antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) in acute care hospitals reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and attendant complications. In the state of Missouri, all hospitals are required to have an ASP. Additionally, the Joint Commission mandates ASP implementation for accreditation based on core elements defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). No studies have evaluated the uptake of ASP since the Missouri state law and Joint Commission mandate. Furthermore, data are limited examining barriers to implementation across hospitals with variable resources. We evaluated ASP uptake across Missouri hospitals, assessed differences in program complexity, and identified facilitators and barriers to implementation. Methods A 94-question survey was administered electronically in the spring of 2019 to 130 Missouri hospitals. Information was collected regarding implementation details of CDC-defined ASP core elements and tools used to overcome implementation barriers. Results were self-reported by the stewardship pharmacist, the director of pharmacy, or the person most familiar with antimicrobial stewardship if the former were not available. Results Preliminary results have been collected from 37 hospitals ranging in size from 15 to 1303 beds (IQR: 54, 274). 16% were critical access hospitals. 54% of hospitals had ASPs adherent to all 7 CDC core elements. Another 27% had implemented 6 of the core elements, with all of those reporting that they lacked a single pharmacist leader. All facilities had implemented at least some measures to improve antibiotic use, ranging from 4 to 13 measures. 45% of programs used state-based antimicrobial stewardship collaboratives, and 52% of those found such programs to be “very” or “extremely” useful. Conclusion All hospitals surveyed are performing ASP activities in concordance with Missouri state law. However, only half contain the 7 core elements required by the Joint Commission. Furthermore, ASP implementation and activities vary widely. While physician leadership was commonly defined, appropriate pharmacist support was frequently lacking. State-based collaboratives are the most widely used resource, and at least half who use them find them to be helpful. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.