White House issues national plan to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria
The White House today issued a five-year to reduce the threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The plan seeks to slow the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria and prevent the spread of resistant infections; strengthen and integrate surveillance systems that monitor human and animal pathogens; advance the development and use of rapid and innovative diagnostic tests; accelerate research and development of new antibiotics, therapeutics and vaccines; and improve international collaboration and capacities. Targeted outcomes by 2020 include establishing antimicrobial stewardship programs in all acute-care hospitals and improved antimicrobial stewardship across all health care settings, and reducing inappropriate antibiotic use by 50% in outpatient settings and 20% in inpatient settings. For more information, see the White House . Last July, the AHA and six national partners released a to help hospitals and health systems develop and enhance their antimicrobial stewardship programs. According to a 2013 AHA Physician Leadership Forum , appropriate use of antibiotics is one of five areas where hospitals, in partnership with their clinical staff and patients, should look to reduce non-beneficial care through appropriate use of medical resources.