New AHRQ toolkit helps ambulatory care practices improve antibiotic use
A new toolkit by AHRQ helps ambulatory care practices improve antibiotic use by applying a novel framework that simplifies the antibiotic prescribing process. Up to half of the antibiotics prescribed in ambulatory settings are considered medically inappropriate, contributing to antibiotic resistance that causes an estimated 2.8 million illnesses and 35,000 deaths in the United States each year.
AHRQ’s “Four Moments of Antibiotic Decision Making” helps improve prescribing by distilling the process into four distinct points, making it easier for prescribers to make informed decisions. More than 350 ambulatory clinics cut overall antibiotic use by almost half using these resources, according to a recent study in JAMA Network Open. The toolkit contains resources on using a stewardship program, communicating about prescribing, and applying best practices for common infectious diseases.
