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Cultures from urinary catheters are often ordered without indication, leading to possible misdiagnosis of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), increasing antimicrobial use, and C difficile. We implemented a diagnostic stewardship intervention for urine cultures from catheters in a community hospital that led to a reduction in cultures and CAUTIs.

Overuse of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) can lead to idle central line (CL) days and increased risk for CL-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). We established a midline prioritization initiative at a safety-net community hospital. This initiative led to possible CLABSI avoidance and a decline in PICC use.

Broad-spectrum antimicrobials are commonly used without indication and contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We implemented a syndrome-based stewardship intervention in a community hospital that targeted common infectious syndromes and antipseudomonal beta-lactam (APBL) use. Our intervention successfully reduced AMR, C. difficile rates, use of APBLs, and cost.

Coronavirus disease 2019 can be indistinguishable from lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) caused by other viral and bacterial agents. This likely contributed to antimicrobial use (AU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during the pandemic. Our antimicrobial stewardship program targeted the selection and duration of therapy for LRTIs and led to a reduction in AU and AMR.

Deploying novel COVID-19 therapies proved challenging amid rapidly evolving data, drug shortages, and conflicting guidelines. We established a remdesivir formulary restriction remdesivir to promote its evidence-based use. This intervention led to changes in remdesivir utilization patterns and cost savings. Formulary restrictions can play an important role in pandemic preparedness and response.