CDC issues guidance on outpatient antibiotic stewardship

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today released a framework for improving antibiotic prescribing in outpatient settings. Its four core elements are commitment; action for policy and practice; tracking and reporting; and education and expertise. “Outpatient clinicians and facility leaders can commit to improving antibiotic prescribing and take action by implementing at least one policy or practice aimed at improving antibiotic prescribing practices,” the report suggests. “Clinicians and leaders of outpatient clinics and health care systems can track antibiotic prescribing practices and regularly report these data back to clinicians. Clinicians can provide educational resources to patients and families on appropriate antibiotic use. Finally, leaders of outpatient clinics and health systems can provide clinicians with education aimed at improving antibiotic prescribing and with access to persons with expertise in antibiotic stewardship.”