Antimicrobial Stewardship Toolkit for Nursing Homes

help nursing homes create or maintain an antimicrobial stewardship program

The purpose of this toolkit is to help nursing homes create or maintain an antimicrobial stewardship program. The intended audience is nursing home leadership and all staff involved in antimicrobial stewardship.

The term “antimicrobial” refers to all anti-infectives, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. Most antimicrobial stewardship programs focus initially on antibiotic use but should broaden their scope to promote safe and optimal use of other anti-infectives as their programs advance.

The Washington State Department of Health’s Antimicrobial Stewardship team welcomes feedback on enhancing this toolkit. Please email ams@doh.wa.gov with suggestions.

Getting Started

Sample Stewardship Policy

Sample Provider Letter Template

  • Letter to Providers Template (Word)
    Letter template designed to assist facilities with introducing providers to the facility’s stewardship program. Modify as per institution policies and procedures.

Staff Orientation Packet

Resources that can be implemented as part of facility staff orientation processes.

Provider and Pharmacist Education

Clinical Tools

Tools for Tracking Antibiotic Use

Resident and Family Educational Materials

Resources to post or to give to residents and families as a part of new resident orientation or when education is needed.

Handouts

Posters