Cuyuna Regional Medical Center was recently named to the Minnesota Antibiotic Stewardship Honor Roll for Hospitals in recognition of its commitment to improve the use of antimicrobial medications with the goal of enhancing patient health outcomes by reducing resistance to antibiotics.

Designated as a Gold Level Honor Roll Honoree, CRMC is recognized for looking beyond its facility to practice antibiotic stewardship in a collaborative way. CRMC practices antibiotic stewardship by tracking and reporting use of antibiotics and educating patients, their families, and the public about antibiotic use. Led by Hospitalist Abby Murray, M.D., and Pharmacist Justin Richards, Pharm.D., CRMC’s team of providers and pharmacy staff review antimicrobials daily for discussion at bedside rounds. Pharmacy staff monitor dosing utilizes a set policy.

“The ability to use antibiotics in many medical fields is under threat from the growing problem of antibiotic resistance,” said Richards. “Widespread and inappropriate use of antibiotics are the major drivers of resistance. Because antibiotic choices made for one patient influence our options in the future, we must empower providers to choose wisely by developing systems that utilize evidence-based approaches to improve prescribing. We must also utilize methods to track antibiotic use and our progress toward best prescribing practice.”

The Minnesota Antibiotic Stewardship Acute Care and Critical Access Honor Roll is supported by the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Hospital Association, Stratis Health, Association for Professionals in Infection Control, and promoted on behalf of the Collaborative Healthcare-Associated Infection Network.

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