Dell Medical School Antimicrobial Stewardship Project
Interested in Participating?
Contact the Antimicrobial Stewardship Team at DSHS:
Phone: (737) 256-8105
Dell Medical School Project Goal:
The Dell Medical collaboration pilot is to decrease Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) rates in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in the Region 7 jurisdiction through Antimicrobial Stewardship (AS) practices then disseminate best practice tools statewide.
Dell Medical School Project Objectives:
- Provide tools to improve Antimicrobial Use (AU) in LTCFs in Texas.
- Reduce AR by implementing standard diagnostic protocols and treatment guidelines for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in LTCFs in Texas.
- Improve tracking of AU in LTCFs in Texas.
Why this matters:
- AR is a major global health issue, causing around 2.9 million infections and 36,000 deaths annually.
- Outpatient antimicrobial prescriptions are highest and increasing in the Southern U.S., according to the CDC 2022 Antibiotic Use Report.
- Nursing home (NH)/Skilled nursing facility (SNF) residents are vulnerable to AR infections due to pre-existing conditions and high AU.
- AS refers to a set of commitments and activities designed to optimize the treatment of infections with appropriate AU while reducing the adverse events associated with AU.
What’s Involved?
- Provider Education: Participants will receive updated evidence-based guidance on UTI treatment.
- Staff Education: Staff members will follow evidence-based protocols for urine collection.
- Resident and Family Engagement: Ensuring everyone is informed and engaged.
- Data Collection: Information on UTI diagnostic criteria and antibiotic use will be shared with facility staff and providers.