Nursing homes are receiving pressure to reduce antibiotics prescribed to patients. Over use of antibiotics can kill good bacteria that patients need to fight off other infections and can cause diarrhea when coupled with Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Antibiotics are most often prescribed for urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, many patients diagnosed with UTIs do not actually even have them.
Issues with the reduction of antibiotics include caregiver turnover, with nursing staff ill advised of patients with whom they are not familiar. Also, many geriatricians diagnose patients over the phone due to busy schedules, dealing with less emergent care issues without face-to-face time. Providing correct testing and diagnosing specific UTI symptoms can increase proper diagnoses, while aiding in the reduction of antibiotic prescriptions. For more, read the story.
