Journal of hospital medicine : an official publication of the Society of Hospital Medicine
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Review
Infections, bacterial resistance, and antimicrobial stewardship: the emerging role of hospitalists.
The care of patients with serious infections both within and outside healthcare settings is increasingly complicated by the high prevalence of resistant or multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Moreover, infections caused by MDR versus susceptible bacteria or other pathogens are associated with significantly higher mortality, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs. Antimicrobial misuse or overuse is the primary driver for development of antimicrobial resistance, suggesting that better use of antimicrobials will translate into improved patient outcomes, more efficient use of hospital resources, and lowered healthcare costs. ⋯ Hospitalists are increasingly involved in the care of hospitalized patients throughout the United States. Expertise in managing conditions requiring hospitalization, and experience in quality improvement across a wide range of clinical conditions, make hospitalists well positioned to participate in the development and implementation of hospital-based antimicrobial stewardship programs designed to improve patient outcomes, reduce antimicrobial resistance, and provide more efficient and lower-cost hospital care. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;7:S34-S43. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine.
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Transferring complex patients between settings can be fraught with poor communication and adverse outcomes, yet few medical students nationwide are trained in specific skills to improve care transitions. ⋯ This curriculum showed that students could acquire the needed skills to prepare quality discharge summaries and communicate well with patients at discharge, as well as improve their overall knowledge surrounding care transitions.