Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) has become a major component of patient safety across all healthcare settings. The risk of Clostridium difficile, increasing antibiotic-resistant organisms, and potential adverse events from antibiotic misuse have led to the demand for AMS programs in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). LTCFs face several unique barriers in implementing antibiotic stewardship; however, with a change in culture through leadership, education, and accountability to the whole team these barriers can be overcome.
Keywords: Antimicrobial stewardship; asymptomatic bacteriuria; long-term care; nursing homes.