Optimizing Antimicrobial Use

Antimicrobial resistance is a substantial public health threat in the United States. Inappropriate use of antimicrobials by physicians is part of the reason for the current resistance problem. Stewardship programs are intended to prevent or slow the emergence of resistance among microorganisms. It is hoped that this will lead to reductions of patient length of stay, adverse drug reactions, morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs.

The Carolina Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (CASP) and Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) Program at University of North Carolina Hospitals are charged with optimizing the use of antimicrobial agents at the University of North Carolina Medical Center, including when patients leave the hospital and transition to outpatient care.

Featured News

The advent of COVID-19 catalyzed a still-evolving and radical shift in healthcare delivery, especially in hospitals that were already on the front lines of caring for the sickest patients. In March, as University of North Carolina Hospitals’ non-critical employees were sent to work from home, Carolina Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (CASP) Medical Director Nikolaos Mavrogiorgos knew …

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Institute for Healthcare Improvement IHQI announced its 2020-2021 Improvement Scholars Program this week. The Carolina Antimicrobial Stewardship Program congratulates member Renae Boerneke, PharmD, BCPS, CPP on the selection of her project with co-lead Mildred Kwan, MD PhD: Reducing the Healthcare Utilization of Broad Spectrum Antibiotics: Implementation of …

On January 23, 2019, Dr. David Weber presented at the UNC School of Medicine Grand Rounds on the continuing threat of multidrug resistant pathogens. Dr. Weber’s research interests include hospital-associated (nosocomial) infections especially antibiotic-resistant pathogens, surveillance, disinfection and sterilization, nosocomial pneumonia, hand hygiene, and outbreak investigations. Other research interests include new and emerging infectious diseases, …

Badge showing advanced partnership for antimicrobial stewardship

The Carolina Antimicrobial Stewardship Program 2019 Annual Newsletter features updates on its efforts, including: Renewed recognition from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services: NC DHHS renewed UNC Medical Center’s Advanced Level 2 Antibiotic Stewardship STAR Partner Facility rating for a second year, in recognition of its comprehensive antimicrobial stewardship program. UNCMC is …

Carolina Antimicrobial Stewardship Program

Optimize patient outcomes by promoting the appropriate use of antimicrobials, including the choice of drug, dosing regimen, monitoring, and duration.
Reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections due to multi-drug resistant organisms.
Assist the Adult and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Divisions and Department of Pharmacy in providing a coordinated approach to antimicrobial formulary and restriction management.
Assist clinicians in antimicrobial decisions by integrating clinical pathways and decision support systems.
Assist the Adult and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Divisions and Department of Pharmacy in promoting evidence-based medicine as it relates to prescribing, preparing, administering, and monitoring antimicrobials.
Perform medication use evaluations related to antimicrobial usage to identify areas for future intervention.

Provide education to medical, nursing, and pharmacy staff related to antibiotic stewardship.
Assist in the management of antimicrobial and vaccine shortages.
Assure compliance with policy standards related to antibiotic stewardship.
Ensure accurate transitions of care for patients leaving UNC Medical Center on parenteral antibiotics.
Provide monitoring and evaluation of clinical issues for patients enrolled in the program.

Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) Program

Ensure accurate transitions of care for patients leaving UNC Medical Center on parenteral antibiotics.
Provide monitoring and evaluation of clinical issues for patients enrolled in the program.

Optimizing Antimicrobial Use

Featured News

UNC Hospitals incorporate tele-antimicrobial stewardship approaches in the COVID era

Boerneke selected as IHQI Improvement Scholar for outpatient penicillin allergy testing

Weber presents on multidrug-resistant pathogens at Medicine Grand Rounds

Antibiotic time-out scale up, pediatric appendicitis study featured in 2019 CASP Newsletter

CASP and OPAT were developed in July 2016 as a joint program of the Department of Pharmacy and the Divisions of Adult and Pediatric Infectious Diseases. The primary goals and objectives of the programs are to:

Carolina Antimicrobial Stewardship Program

Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) Program