New Resources for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Long-Term Care Homes

Public Health Ontario (PHO) is pleased to announce that it has developed a series of resources to address the overuse of antibiotics in long-term care homes (LTCHs).

Up to half of antibiotic prescriptions in long-term care may not be necessary. The overuse of antibiotics in LTCHs can lead to harm for residents, such as C. difficile, side effects and antibiotic resistance.

The new PHO resources will be bundled under two topics and posted online:

1. Shorter is Smarter: For most infections treated in LTCHs (such as urinary tract infection, pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infection), shorter courses are equally effective as longer courses and have lower risk of harm. PHO has developed an infographic on why Shorter is Smarter, a one-page fact sheet containing duration recommendations and three evidence briefs that support the fact sheet recommendations.
2. Antimicrobial Stewardship Essentials: Antimicrobial Stewardship Essentials is a primer that aims to help LTCHs that are interested in developing an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP). Also available is a checklist to provide ideas and practical examples to improve antibiotic use in LTCHs.

PHO is committed to supporting improved antibiotic use in Ontario LTCHs. Contact us at asp@oahpp.ca if you have any additional feedback.