Overview

Introduction to General Practice Principles of Antimicrobial Stewardship

Improving antibiotic use is a medication-safety and patient safety issue.  Research indicates that 30-50% of antibiotics prescribed in hospitals is either not indicated or not appropriate.  Overprescribing and misprescribing is contributing to the growing challenges posed by Clostridiodies difficile infections and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Studies have demonstrated that improved prescribing practices in hospitals can not only help reduce rates of C. difficile infections and antibiotic resistance, but can also improve patient outcomes, all while reducing healthcare costs. Interventions to improve antibiotic use can be implemented in any healthcare setting - from the smallest to the largest.  This site contains resources to build and sustain antimicrobial stewardship programs in a variety of healthcare settings, including long-term care, acute care, and outpatient clinics.  

U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will be teaming up with Illuminate Chicago and Blue Cross Blue Shield for this year's U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW). From November 18th to 24th, 2023, local partners will illuminate structures in a vibrant purple hue as part of the USAAW Go Purple Campaign. Moreover, on the evening of November 20th, 2023, the Blue Cross Blue Shield building at 300 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601 will feature the message "BE ANTIBIOTIC AWARE" on its renowned tower facing Lake Shore Drive. We encourage you to incorporate the hashtags #CDPH, #AntimicrobialResistance, #USAAW23, or #PurpleforAR in your social media posts to help raise awareness.
Building with US Antibiotic Week messaging

Webinars

Antimicrobial Stewardship Resources

Additional Antimicrobial Stewardship Resources for Nursing Homes

Antimicrobial Stewardship Resources for Outpatient Clinics

Antimicrobial Stewardship Resources for Hospitals

Antimicrobial Stewardship Resources for Patients

Resources for One Health Veterinary Guidance

Infection Control 

Prescribing Guidelines
Title Source Type
Antimicrobial Therapy Do’s and Don’ts for Felines
AVMA PDF
Antimicrobial Therapy Do’s and Don’ts for Canines
AVMA PDF
ARSI: Pocket Guide: Antimicrobial Prescribing for Common Small Animal Diseases
UMN ASRI PDF
Treatment Options for Companion Animals Ohio State Website
Example Practice-Level Antibiotic Drug Tiers and Selection List for Companion Animals
UMN ASRI PDF
(ISCAID) Urinary Tract Guidelines table Journal of Japanese Association of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology PDF
(ISCAID) Respiratory Guidelines tables Antimicrobial Guidelines Working Group of the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases PDF
(ISCAID) Bacterial Folliculitis Guidelines Table Antimicrobial Guidelines Working Group of the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases PDF
Enteropathogenic Bacteria: Diagnosis, Epidemiology, Treatment and Control ACIM Paper
Risk of Inappropriate Antibiotic Use
How to Implement an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program 
Cleint Resources

Additional Antimicrobial Stewardship Information

Educational References – Antimicrobial Stewardship Training for Healthcare Professionals
Treatment Guidelines - Infectious Disease & Antimicrobial Stewardship
Key Antimicrobial Stewardship Articles

Antimicrobial Stewardship Reporting

For questions related to Healthcare Associated Infection/Antibiotic Resistance, please contact the Chicago Department of Public Health at:  CDPHHAIAR@cityofchicago.org 

Asset Publisher

Upcoming Events

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NHSN AUR Workgroup

Our national healthcare safety network workgroup is hosted every other month for facilities interested in learning and collaborating with other facility stewardship teams for mentorship on the antibiotic use and resistance module.

Star (Estrella) Cervantes, PharmD, BCPS, AAHIVP
Infectious Disease - Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist
Estrella.Cervantes@cityofchicago.org