Use antibiotic stewardship to improve antibiotic prescribing in pharyngitis and respiratory issues

Improving antibiotic prescribing is a priority as antibiotics are still widely overprescribed for conditions where they are not indicated. Beginning or building an antibiotic stewardship program is an effective way to improve health outcomes and reduce costs related to antibiotic resistance. Providers can embrace antibiotic stewardship efforts using these and other best practices:

• Follow HEDIS® quality measures such as Appropriate Testing for Pharyngitis (CWP), Appropriate Treatment for Upper Respiratory Infection (URI), and Avoidance of Antibiotic Treatment for Bronchitis/Bronchiolitis (AAB).
• Adhere to clinical practice guidelines by prescribing antibiotics strictly in accordance with evidence-based national and local clinical practice guidelines, taking care to prescribe per population.
• Close knowledge gaps by reviewing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention antibiotic stewardship bundles for online training modules and tools and guidance by care setting, audience, and resource type.

Read Provider Partner Update (see page 19) for more tips to help strengthen antibiotic stewardship efforts and improve health outcomes.

HEDIS® The Healthcare Electiveness’ Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is a registered trademark of NCQA.