Antimicrobial Stewardship Program
Antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to the health care environment and our patients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 30 percent of antibiotics are prescribed unnecessarily. The CDC also reports that antibiotic resistance has resulted in 2 million infections and more than 23,000 deaths every year. The Saint Luke’s Health System Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) launched in August 2015 after a successful pilot at Saint Luke’s North Hospital in 2010. The ASP aims to promote the judicious use of antimicrobials, suppressing development of antimicrobial resistance, decreasing untoward effects of unnecessary antimicrobial use, and improving outcomes for the patients we serve.
The program’s core structure is composed of an infectious disease pharmacist, an infectious disease physician, and a data analyst. It is supported by a committee of specialists in the area of infectious diseases, including physicians, pharmacists, microbiologists, infection prevention nurses, system leadership, among others.
Mission and vision
It’s our mission to achieve the best possible antimicrobial related outcomes across the Saint Luke’s Health System by ensuring the optimal selection, dose, and duration of antimicrobials for treatment or prevention while minimizing the impact of possible side effects and antimicrobial resistance.
Our vision is to improve use of antimicrobials and the resultant quality of care delivered to our patients.
National attention
Ahead of the curve, the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program is well positioned to exceed all established and pending regulatory standards that have gained national attention. Currently, Missouri is the second known state to enact legislation requiring the establishment of an ASP in hospitals. Our program’s structure and proactive work ensures that patients will continue to receive the best care.
The program has witnessed great success since its launch. A few highlights include:
- Our recommendations to clinicians are accepted at a staggering acceptance rate—87 percent— meaning our physicians are also vested in improving antimicrobial use.
- Innovations Center project on leveraging the program and our rapid identification microbiology technology improve blood culture communication and antimicrobial use
- Local, state, and national presentations
- Research investigating alternative dosing strategies that yield similar outcomes and decreased cost
- Spearheading the development of a system-wide Fecal Transplant Program
Our team
Many individuals in the health system contribute to the program’s success. Clinical initiatives of the program are vetted through the Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee and structural leadership is provided by an oversight committee.
Meet the core team of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program:
Sarah Boyd, MD, Medical Director
Education
- University of Missouri-Kansas City combined BA/MD program
- Internal Medicine Residency, University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Infectious Disease Fellowship, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Interests in infectious diseases
- Antimicrobial Stewardship, particularly inpatient and care transitions
- Infection prevention and prevention of health care associated infections
- HIV care and prevention
Nick Bennett, PharmD, BCPS, Program Manager
Education
- Pre-pharmacy—University of Iowa
- Doctor of Pharmacy—Creighton University
Post-graduate training
- Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City
Interest in infectious diseases
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Rapid diagnostics
- Clostridium difficile infections
Erin Johnson, Data Analyst
Education
- Pre-pharmacy—University of Iowa
- Doctor of Pharmacy—Creighton University
Post-graduate training
- Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City
Interest in infectious diseases
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Rapid diagnostics
- Clostridium difficile infections
Joe Blunck, PharmD, BCPS
Education
- Bachelor of Science—Colorado State University
- Master of Science—Rockhurst University (in progress)
Interests
- Predictive/Prescriptive analytics
- Data visualization
- Data science
Tim Berry, PharmD, BCPS
Education
- Pre-pharmacy—University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse
- Doctor of Pharmacy—University of Wisconsin-Madison
Post-Graduate Training
- St Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center–Phoenix, Arizona
Interests in infectious diseases
- Intrathecal antimicrobial delivery for the treatment of invasive Central Nervous System infections
- Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic optimization of antimicrobial agents
- Antimicrobial synergy for Multidrug Resistant Organisms
Research
Saint Luke’s has long been committed to innovative care which is often fueled by commitment to novel research. Infectious disease research has vast potential in our health system and is especially relevant since our network of hospitals is consistent with the general landscape across the country.
Examples of our research include:
- Alternative dosing strategies for daptomycin
- Impact of integrating the stewardship program and rapid diagnostics to improve blood culture communication
- Involvement in The Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) Research Network
Learn more
If you’re interested in learning more about the program, email the program.