Sepsis in post-acute care toolkit

Recommendation

• Adopt policies that support optimal infection control.
• In facilities that provide treatment to patients, adopt policies that support appropriate antibiotic use.

Rationale

• Appropriate infection control practices help to prevent the infections that lead to sepsis. 
• Timely and appropriate use of antibiotics is an essential element of treating sepsis.
• Implementing an antimicrobial stewardship program is essential to prevent the inappropriate use of antibiotics.

Tools

• CDC Antibiotic Stewardship in Nursing Homes: Core elements and checklist
• AHRQ Nursing Home Antimicrobial Stewardship Guide and toolkits
• Antimicrobial stewardship article
• Reducing the overuse of antibiotics for seniors