Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Growth in Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs Among Children's Hospitals Survey Summary

A recent study of 39 children's hospitals revealed 16 organizations have antimicrobial stewardship programs in place and another 15 hospitals are planning programs. The preliminary findings suggest a diversity of approaches. Standardization of programs is needed to realize key components for better care and cost savings.

The study indicated many children's hospitals are dedicating resources to current or new programs. Outcomes important to stewardship programs are monitored by 82 percent of surveyed hospitals (32/39). However, hospitals with existing programs are twice as likely to be monitoring antibiotic use and antimicrobial costs. The diversity of these programs makes it imperative that more research be completed to identify effective strategies.

Prevalence

• 72 percent of hospitals (31/43) had stewardship programs in place (16) or were planning them (15)
• Most programs started during or after 2008 (13/16). The first national guidelines for the development of ASP programs were published in 2007 even though this has been a relevant topic for many years
• Three programs were developed more than 10 years ago (1995, 1997 and 2000)