The CDC and National Quality Forum collaborated to create "Antibiotic Stewardship in Acute Care: A Practical Playbook," which suggests hospitals screen patients for a penicillin allergy to reduce the likelihood of overprescribing antibiotics.
"Penicillin is the most commonly reported drug allergy. Although approximately 10 to 20 percent of patients report a history of penicillin allergy, up to 90 percent of these individuals are in fact able to tolerate penicillin and penicillin-like antibiotics," said Mary L. Staicu, the infectious diseases clinical pharmacy specialist for Rochester (N.Y.) Regional Health.
According to Dr. Staicu, failing to screen for a penicillin allergy can lead to the misuse of more expensive and less effective antibiotics; an increase of resistant bacterial infections such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus and Clostridium difficile; and longer hospital stays.
The playbook provides tips on how to implement a penicillin allergy assessment protocol to help combat antibiotic resistance.
To access the full playbook, click here.
More articles on antibiotic resistance:
3 thoughts on antimicrobial resistance from Mass General's infection control chief
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Many possible STD patients get unnecessary antibiotics, study finds