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Antimicrobial Stewardship: Outpatient

Doctor talking to patient while holding file folder

Seventy-five percent of all antimicrobial use occurs in the outpatient setting, including primary care, emergency departments, and urgent care settings. Using antibiotics wisely, without losing effectiveness, is important in the outpatient setting.

Similar to the inpatient hospital setting, treatment of bacterial infections makes antibiotics invaluable. However, the majority of infectious disease conditions in the outpatient setting are caused by viral infections for which antibiotics have no effect. Overprescribing of antibiotics has led to a worldwide problem with antibiotic resistant bacteria. Furthermore, side effects from antibiotics, such as affecting other bacteria in the body or adverse reactions, are common.

Outpatient antibiotic stewardship efforts help balance the need for effective treatment of bacterial infections while reducing prescribing for viral illnesses. Outpatient clinicians and facilities can provide educational resources to patients and families, as well as track antibiotic prescribing habits. Many providers around the state of Wisconsin are tracking current prescribing practices and offering targeted education to further advance this important initiative.

Many programs utilize the CDC's (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Core Elements of Antibiotic Stewardship for Outpatient Care as a roadmap. These elements include commitment, action, tracking, reporting, and education.

 

Resources

Sample Patient Assessment Scripts
  • Viral Upper Respiratory Infection and Acute Bronchitis, P-02095 (PDF) – This script can be used by providers to assess patients who present with a viral upper respiratory infection and acute bronchitis.
  • Cough, P-03039 (PDF) – This script can be used by providers to assess patients who present with cough.
  • Dysuria, P-03046 (PDF) – This script can be used by providers to assess patients who present with dysuria symptoms or concerns.
  • Sinus, P-03047 (PDF) – This script can be used by providers to assess patients who present with sinus symptoms or concerns.
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Last revised February 23, 2023