CDC Monitoring Antibiotic Prescribing

The CDC (Centers For Disease Control) consistently monitors antibiotic prescribing.  The CDC examines data to determine indications for over use of antibiotics.  Over use of antibiotics can lead to bacterial reisistance , which makes future infections very difficult to treat. 

Bacterial resistance means the infectious organisms the antibiotics are designed to kill off have adapted to them making the drugs (antibiotics) less effective.  The bug (antimicrobial resistant organism) causing the infection is so used to the antibiotic it does not work anymore. 

When the senior gets an infection that is resistant to antibiotic treatment the risk is longer more expensive hospital stays and death.  The CDC monitors prescribing data to determine populations that would benefit from additional education.

Researchers would look at the frequency of prescribed antibiotics per individual in a service area.  This is compared with the number of bacterial resistant infections in the area.  Does a high level of antibiotic prescribing correlate with an increasing number of bacterial infections.  How can the CDC best educate the prescribers and the community to encourage the appropriate level of antibiotic use.

The CDC targetted education promotes adherence to appropriate prescribing guidelines among medical providers, decreasing demand for antibiotics for example to treat symptoms of a viral upper respiratory infection.  Antibiotic is not effective in treating viral. 

This is difficult because patients have grown to expect their prescribing provider to give them the medication they ask for.  Their is an investment of time and effort in explaining to the patient the providers concern for bacterial resistance. 

Home Care Path encourages seniors and family to discuss their questions regarding the use of antibiotics with their primary provider. 

Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com is a leading senior care provider serving south central Wisconsin.  Services include:
-in home staffing with help for ADl's and IADL's
-inpatient advocacy for safe successful hospital stays
-crisis intervention with transitional counseling
-temporary help with a scheduled day surgery
-down sizing home contents when stuff matters
-communicate face to face on the computer across long distances
-packing and shipping with gift giving season
Simply call 608-432-4286 to schedule an in home interview.  2012 rates are 20.00 per hour.  Email lkutzke@homecarepath.onmicrosoft.com  Services are tax deductible.  We accept long term care insurance.  We can be there when you are working.  Valuing home and human life.