*Please note this practicum has been filled.
Practicum Title: Assessing communication preferences to enhance an antimicrobial stewardship program at an academic medical center
Preceptor and Point of Contact:
Danielle Doughman, MSPH
Carolina Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, UNC Medical Center
Danielle.doughman@unchealth.unc.edu
Brief description:
Antimicrobials (a group of drugs that includes antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics) are an indispensable weapon against infectious diseases. However, antimicrobials are frequently overused, leading to resistance, a significant and growing global health problem. Antimicrobials also may have side effects for patients even when used appropriately. To help optimize their use, hospitals that participate in Medicaid and Medicare programs are now required to have an active antimicrobial stewardship program, or ASP.
The Carolina Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (CASP) is the ASP for the University of North Carolina Medical Center, an 800-bed academic medical center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. CASP was formalized in 2016. A multi-disciplinary team of pharmacists, physicians, nurses, microbiologists, and infection preventionists is co-led by Infectious Diseases Pharmacist Lindsay Daniels and Infectious Diseases Physician Nikolaos Mavrogiorgos.
CASP relies on evidence-based, foundational stewardship strategies to carry out its work. A cornerstone of many ASPs, including CASP, is prospective audit and feedback (PAF). During PAF, the stewardship team reviews antimicrobial orders and communicates directly with prescribers to optimize patients’ therapy. The practicum is intended to explore opportunities for improving this process based on clinicians’ feedback.
The student will be expected to:
- Attend monthly CASP team meetings, weekly team check-in meetings, and periodic check-in meetings with preceptor
- Conduct a literature review of best practices for PAF communication between the stewardship team and front-line prescribers
- Take a one-day survey development course online via the Odum Institute (if offered)
- Develop, test, and market a survey to prescribers at UNC Hospitals
- Analyze survey results and develop recommendations
- Present results and recommendations to CASP leadership
The practicum may begin as early as April 2021 but no later than early June 2021 depending on student preferences. Exact dates are flexible, and the practicum may be completed full- or part-time. The practicum is designed to be completed remotely; as such, the student will furnish their own workspace, computer, and supplies. The opportunity is unpaid.
To apply, please send CV and a letter of interest to Danielle.doughman@unchealth.unc.edu. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through April 4, 2021; if an applicant is selected ahead of the deadline, this notice will be removed from the practica database.
