Antibiotic Stewardship: A Call to Action for All Neonatal Nurses (107)

Abstract Text: Purpose of the Session:
This session is primer about antibiotic resistance (ABR) and stewardship (AS) and a call to action for members of the neonatal team. Participants will leave with individualized plans to leverage in their worksite.
Background and Importance of the Topic:
Antibiotics are essential, however inappropriate use contributes to the development of ABR. An estimated 90% of neonates are exposed to antibiotics in the NICU. This contributes to negative outcomes such as NEC and fungal infections, and future health problems like childhood obesity, and asthma. A recent survey of NICU nurses found that over half administered an antibiotic they thought was inappropriate and most do not question providers about antibiotic choice, dose, or route. AS is a core strategy to combat ABR and is intended to ensure patient safety through coordinated inter-professional interventions to optimize antibiotic use.
What Will be Covered:
The session reviews NANN’s coinciding conference priorities of patient and medication safety, quality care, teamwork, and evidence-based infection control practices, and the historical background of ABR and neonatal effects. Key tenants of AS will be explained; bedside as well as advanced practice nurses will learn how to question which areas of their institution may benefit from intervention. Case presentations will help nurses think critically about best practices including ways to implement AS modalities.
Future Directions:
Despite a wealth of information in the literature, much is focused on adults. The discussion will identify gaps in knowledge for the neonate and offer areas for future investigation.

Needs Assessment and Presentation Description: A recent survey of NICU nurses found that over half administered an antibiotic they thought was inappropriate and most do not question providers about antibiotic choice, dose, or route. Antibiotic stewardship is a core strategy to combat rising antibiotic resistance and is intended to ensure patient safety through coordinated inter-professional interventions to optimize antibiotic use. This interactive presentation will help all attendees consider stewardship actions happening in their institutions and offer solutions regardless of one’s patient care role.