Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN
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Clin J Am Soc Nephrol · Sep 2018
Clinical and Economic Benefits of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Hemodialysis Facilities: A Decision Analytic Model.
Infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms and Clostridium difficile are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality as well as excess costs. Antimicrobial exposure is the leading cause for these infections. Approximately 30% of antimicrobial doses administered in outpatient hemodialysis facilities are considered unnecessary. Implementing an antimicrobial stewardship program in outpatient hemodialysis facilities aimed at improving prescribing practices would have important clinical and economic benefits. ⋯ The model suggests that implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs in outpatient dialysis facilities would result in substantial reductions in infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms and C. difficile, infection-related deaths, and costs.