Antimicrobial Resistance

Reference guides

Bugs & Drugs

Bugs & Drugs is an antimicrobial reference guide for healthcare professionals.

The Bugs & Drugs® resource is now available in a website format for BC users at the following link: www.bugsanddrugs.org. The website is available to users accessing the website from an I.P. address that is from anywhere in BC. Users can access the website from their personal or work devices as long as they have internet connectivity.

Bugs & Drugs® is the recommended reference for management of infectious diseases and appropriate antimicrobial use. It is peer-reviewed, evidence-based, and frequently updated. Bugs & Drugs^® is supported by the Do Bugs Need Drugs?^®program and is funded in BC by the BC Ministry of Health, Pharmaceutical Services Division.

For those preferring to use a mobile version of Bugs & Drugs®, further information can be found at http://www.bugsanddrugs.ca/

Long-term care sites

Background

High rates of antibiotic resistance have been observed in Long Term Care (LTC) sites. In some locations, this has included colonization with bacteria for which there are few remaining therapeutic options.

Key responses include:

sound infection-control practice to limit spread
judicious use of antibiotics so as to reduce unnecessary selection for resistance.

Antibiotic use in LTC is strongly driven by management of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs).

The Do Bugs Need Drugs? program does not set policy for LTC. This collection of evidence based resources was assembled in response to multiple requests from practitioners.

Resources

Managing urinary tract infections

Antimicrobial Stewardship in Continuing Care - frequently asked questions around UTIs.
Alberta Clinical Practice Guideline (TOP) - UTI in LTC.
Diagnosis and Management of Urinary Tract Infection in Residential Care - Providence Health Care
Loeb Criteria: This study implemented UTI diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms for nursing home residents and used case scenarios for education and dissemination. Results include a significant decrease in both rate of antimicrobial use and total antimicrobials prescribed for suspected urinary tract infection. A decrease in rate of urine cultures was also observed.
Reducing Antimicrobial Therapy for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Among Noncatheterized Inpatients: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Doing the Right Thing for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria: Knowing Less Leads to Doing Less
UTI in Long Term Care Resources

Managing respiratory tract infections

Antimicrobial Stewardship in Continuing Care - frequently asked questions around Nursing Home Acquired Pneumonia.
Alberta Clinical Practice Guideline (TOP) - Nursing Home Acquired Pneumonia.
Nursing Home Acquired Pneumonia Resources

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Provincial Health Services Authority