The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has named Crouse Health an Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence.
Crouse joins an elite group of designated institutions across the United States that are dedicated to raising standards that define excellence in the practice and implementation of antimicrobial stewardship, which is a global public health priority as established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. government.
“The IDSA certification affirms Crouse’s mission to provide the best in patient care and promote community health,” said Chief Operating Officer/Chief Medical Officer Seth Kronenberg. “This significant quality achievement reflects the commitment our providers demonstrate toward helping both our patients and this national and global health challenge.”
Antibiotics, antivirals and other antimicrobial medications have saved millions of lives worldwide, but these drugs are losing their effectiveness because of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines. AMR makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.
Some of this is inevitable, but over-prescription and improper use of antimicrobials play a big role. Up to half of antibiotic use is unnecessary or inappropriate. For common bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, sepsis, sexually transmitted infections, and some forms of diarrhea, high rates of resistance against antibiotics frequently used to treat these infections have been observed world-wide, indicating that we are running out of effective antibiotics, according to WHO. AMR also affects the treatment of mycobacterium tuberculosis, malaria and fungal infections.
Drug-resistant infections can strike anyone — young or old, healthy or sick. Each year more than 70,000 individuals die due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) infections. Treating resistant infections costs the U.S. health care system an estimated $21 to $34 billion annually.
“The Crouse stewardship team works in a highly collaborative manner to improve our institution’s use of antibiotics. I think we all make a difference in the quality of our patient care and it is encouraging to be recognized by the IDSA,” said physician Stephen J. Thomas, clinical director, Crouse antimicrobial stewardship program.
Said pharmacist Andrea Call, clinical pharmacy coordinator and Crouse Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP). “The IDSA certification for the Crouse Health ASP reflects dedication and skill among our healthcare professionals, hospital administration and staff to collaborate with the ASP and optimize antimicrobial therapy for Crouse patients while conserving use when possible.”