Each year in the United States, at least
2 million people become infected with bacteria
that are resistant to antibiotics, and 23,000
people die as a direct result of these infections. 1
Sue Barnes, RN, CIC, FAPIC is an independent clinical
consultant, Board certified in Infection Control and
Prevention, a Fellow of APIC (FAPIC) and co-founder of
the National Corporate IP Director Network. She currently
provides marketing and clinical consultation to select industry
partners who seek to support infection prevention with
innovative products.
References:
in the production of the antibiogram as well as providing
associated training, would seem to cross the boundary into
responsibilities/competencies of the laboratory scientist. 6,7
Also suggested to be within the purview of the IP is identifying
bug-drug mismatches (i.e., whether a prescribed antibiotic is
effective based on bacterial sensitivities). This would seem
more within the purview of the pharmacist and physician. 7-9
Not mentioned in any of these papers is arguably the most
significant role for IPs in antibiotic stewardship programs – the
prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). For
every infection prevented, there are fewer antibiotics admin-
istered in addition to the associated resistance pressure, CDI
risk, incidence, associated patient morbidity and healthcare
cost. The APIC publications provide a high-level overview
of the role of the IP in ASP, which can be built upon at the
local level to provide more specific actions. Ongoing updates
will be required moving forward due to the dynamic nature
of the responsibilities of the IP.
The leading source of science based content
CDC Web page Antibiotic/Antimicrobial Resistance (AR/AMR) https://
www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/
Dall C. New rule requires antibiotic stewardship programs in U.S. hospitals.
Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy; Sept. 26, 3019.
Weissenbach M. et al. Exploring the role of infection preventionists in
antimicrobial stewardship programs through several lenses: A brief report.
Am J Infect Control. 48 (2020) 106-107.
Manning, M et al. Antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention—
leveraging the synergy: A position paper update. A J Infect Control. Volume
46, Issue 4, 364 – 368.
Billings C et al. Advancing the profession: An updated future-oriented
competency model for professional development in infection prevention and
control. Am J Infect Control. 47 (2019) 602-614.
Moehring R et al. Challenges in Preparation of Cumulative Antibiogram
Reports for Community Hospitals; J Clin Microbiol. Aug 2015, 53 (9) 2977-
2982.
Perri L. The Infection Preventionist’s Role in Antimicrobial Stewardship
Programs. Infection Control Today. Oct. 6, 2017.
Al-Homaidan HT, Barrimah IE. Physicians’ knowledge, expectations,
and practice regarding antibiotic use in primary health care. Int J Health Sci
(Qassim). 2018;12(3):18–24.
Duggan C, Joynes R, Rosado H. Pharmacy’s role in antimicrobial resistance
and stewardship. Clinical Pharmacist. June 5, 2018.
Expert
Infection
Prevention
Consulting
Available
Sue Barnes, RN, CIC, FAPIC,
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is an independent clinical consultant, board-
certified in infection prevention and control
(CIC), a fellow of APIC (FAPIC) and co-founder
of the National Corporate IP Director Network.
She currently provides marketing and clinical consultation
to select industry partners who seek to support infection
prevention with innovative products.
Learn more about her services at: www.zeroinfections.org
april 2020 • www.healthcarehygienemagazine.com