Rationalizing Antibiotic Use in Long-Term Care Facilities

Dear Colleagues,

The excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics is the main cause of antimicrobial resistance, which is particularly problematic in frail, older people who are susceptible to frequent and severe infections. Antimicrobial stewardship interventions are seldom carried out in long-term care facilities. In addition, a lack of infection prevention and control leads to antimicrobial over-prescription in this setting, perpetuating antimicrobial inappropriateness. Health-care-associated infections, mainly respiratory and urinary tract infections, some of which are caused by resistant bacteria, are common but could be reduced through antibiotic stewardship and improved hygiene.

Long-term care facilities usually lack health and care resources, which has a direct impact on the health of residents. Therefore, these nursing homes constitute the best target population for intervention initiatives aimed at reducing inappropriate antibiotic use. In this Special Issue, we are planning to compile original research articles, short communications, reviews, case reports, and perspectives with a focus on reducing antibiotic inappropriateness in health-care-associated infections by implementing interventions targeting health care professionals in long-term care facilities.

Dr. Carl Llor
Guest Editor

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