Testing Item for Hospitalists (Flowsheet)

HOSPITALISTS:
BE ANTIBIOTICS AWARE

Perform an
Antibiotic Time Out
at Discharge
Clinicians should review antibiotic therapy at
discharge and answer these key questions:

Does this patient
have an infection
that will respond
to antibiotics?

Is the patient
on the
right antibiotic?

How long should
the patient be
treated?

33 Confirm the symptoms represent an
infection and not an alternate,
non-infectious diagnosis.

33 If medical record indicates penicillin allergy,
determine if the patient is truly allergic.
33 Use the recommended antibiotic for the infection.
33 If the patient will be discharged on a
fluoroquinolone, consider if there is a safer
alternative, if appropriate.

33 Use the shortest recommended
antibiotic therapy for patients with an
uncomplicated clinical course and who
responded appropriately to therapy.
33 Document outpatient antibiotic duration
in the discharge summary.
33 Review inpatient antibiotic duration the
patient received when determining
post-discharge antibiotic therapy.

This document is meant to provide general guidance and does not apply to all clinical scenarios.
Prior to making interventions, always assess the individual patient and use your clinical judgment.
Follow your institution’s treatment guidelines and protocols when applicable.
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs 2014.
Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/healthcare/implementation/core-elements.html 11 March 2019
2. Antibiotic Use at Discharge Pocket Card - Michigan Hospital Medicine Safety Consortium

www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use

www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use