Antibiotic prescribing in mental health units across the Veterans' Health Administration: How much and how appropriate?

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2023 Feb;44(2):308-311. doi: 10.1017/ice.2021.432. Epub 2021 Oct 21.

Abstract

We evaluated antibiotic-prescribing across 111 mental health units in the Veterans' Health Administration. We found that accurate diagnosis of urinary tract infections is a major area for improvement. Because non-mental-health clinicians were involved in most antibiotic-prescribing decisions, stewardship interventions for mental health patients should have a broad target audience to be effective.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Inappropriate Prescribing / prevention & control
  • Mental Health
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Urinary Tract Infections* / diagnosis
  • Urinary Tract Infections* / drug therapy
  • Veterans*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents