Holy Redeemer Hospital Improves Patient Outcomes with Award-Winning Antimicrobial Stewardship Program

MEADOWBROOK, Pa. - March 20, 2024 - Holy Redeemer Hospital has been awarded a PSQH Innovation Award for its study on quality improvement and infection prevention to overcome patient safety challenges, particularly in the field of antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP). ASPs are critical initiatives designed to prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and reduce antibiotic resistance.

Hardik H. Patel (HH), PharmD, MHA, BCPS, senior pharmacy clinical coordinator at Redeemer Health, led the study focused on evaluating the impact of antimicrobial stewardship practices in treating Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteremia in both non-ICU and ICU settings. It was conducted at Holy Redeemer Hospital between July 2021 and July 2022 and involved patients aged 18 and older, admitted to the hospital with positive blood cultures for E. coli.

The post-implementation initiatives made an impactful difference in improving patient care at the hospital. Key achievements include:

• Reduced Hospital Stays: Patients benefited from shorter hospital stays, with notable differences between ICU and non-ICU settings, underscoring the effectiveness of targeted interventions.
• Smart Antibiotic Use: Through strategic antibiotic de-escalation, the hospital has demonstrated a commitment to combating antibiotic resistance, with a 61% success rate in reducing the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
• Advanced Diagnostic Tools Improve Patient Care: By using procalcitonin monitoring to figure out how serious a bacterial infection is and blood tests to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection, doctors at Holy Redeemer Hospital made timely and precise adjustments to treatment plans, ensuring patients receive the most effective care promptly.

These accomplishments highlight Redeemer Health's dedication to pioneering patient care and antibiotic stewardship. The study not only presents a blueprint for managing infectious diseases during challenging times but also sets a new standard for hospitals in the region.

"By harnessing the collective expertise and passion of health care professionals from various disciplines, this project certainly inspired me to unlock possibilities in patient care, ultimately transforming lives beyond the walls of the pharmacy through research," said Dr. Patel. "Leading meaningful projects in the field of infectious diseases and prioritizing what matters to patients, providers, and payers - such as decreasing length of stays at the hospital - makes me proud to showcase our robust clinical leadership and the value of our health system in the community."

For more information about Patient Safety & Quality Healthcare (PSQH), and Dr. Patel's findings, visit the PSQH site here.