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Mutations accumulated by novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Omicron sublineages contribute to evasion of previously effective monoclonal antibodies for treatment or prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Other authorized or approved antiviral drugs such as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, remdesivir, and molnupiravir are, however, predicted to maintain activity against these sublineages and are key tools to reduce severe COVID-19 outcomes in vulnerable populations. A stepwise approach may be taken to target the appropriate antiviral drug to the appropriate patient, beginning with identifying whether a patient is at high risk for hospitalization or other complications of COVID-19. Among higher risk individuals, patient profile (including factors such as age, organ function, and comedications) and antiviral drug access inform suitable antiviral drug selection. When applied in targeted fashion, these therapies serve as a complement to vital ongoing nonpharmaceutical interventions and vaccination strategies that reduce morbidity and maximize protection against COVID-19.

Background There is a need to assess current development of hospital Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) in Latin America. Methods Cross-sectional evaluation of ASPs using a standardized and previously validated self-assessment tool derived from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Core Elements of Antibiotic Stewardship (AS). The assessment was deployed to 40 hospitals in Panama, Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, and Argentina in 3/2022 through a regional research network. The assessment included 94 questions, with each question including a graded response (meets criteria, partially meets criteria, does not meet criteria, and in some, not applicable). Results 22 public and 16 private hospitals completed the assessment (95% response rate), 10% and 25% of which were small hospitals (< 110 beds), respectively. 82% were academic, and all have an Infection Prevention and Control program/committee. >70% of ASPs have a physician and pharmacist involved, although 65% reported no salary support for AS activities. Only 13% and 29% of AS pharmacists and physicians, respectively, met recommended full-time equivalent/bed ratios; and 76% lacked information and technology (IT) support. 50% indicated the AS committee did not meet regularly, and another 50% reported not including non-AS physicians in the committee. Most hospitals have implemented prior-authorization and post-prescription review and feedback, with much fewer reporting a process to alert of duplicate therapy and use of auto-stops. 89% reported regular access to new antibiotics. While most hospitals monitor antibiotic consumption, few evaluate trends and/or appropriateness of use. Treatment guidelines for most common infections were missing in up to 50% of hospitals, especially in public hospitals. Most respondents indicated their hospitals promote teamwork, and in the vast majority, recommendations from AS are valued. Stratification of results by private and public hospitals in Table. Table:Results of a self-assessment of antimicrobial stewardship activities at the facility level in 38 hospitals in Latin America. Conclusion We found several opportunities for improvement, which differed between private and public hospitals. Common barriers to both settings include access to IT support; better pharmacist and physician resource allocation, education, and monitoring of process and outcomes measures. Disclosures Sara E. Cosgrove, MD, Basilea: Member of Infection Adjudication Committee.

Background Up to one-third of hospitalized patients treated for urinary tract infection (UTI) have asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB). Both diagnostic (avoiding inappropriate urine cultures) and antibiotic stewardship (reducing unnecessary antibiotic use in asymptomatic patients) have been proposed to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use for ASB. However, it's unclear which method is most effective. Methods The Michigan Hospital Medicine Safety Consortium aimed to improve antibiotic use and outcomes of hospitalized patients with a positive urine culture between 7/1/2017—3/31/2020 (see Table 1 for patient characteristics) by benchmarking performance across 46 Michigan hospitals, sharing best practices, and implementing pay-for-performance metrics related to unnecessary treatment of ASB (see Figure 1). Using logistic regression models controlling for hospital clustering, we assessed change over time in percentage of hospitalized patients treated for UTI who had ASB (i.e., had no documented signs or symptoms of UTI) and hospital characteristics associated with baseline or change in unnecessary antibiotic prescribing. We then estimated the percentage of avoided ASB treatment attributable to diagnostic (decrease in urine cultures ordered on asymptomatic patients) vs. antibiotic stewardship (decrease duration or avoidance of antibiotic treatment). Results Across 46 hospitals, there were 15,493 patients with a positive urine culture. Of 13,805 patients treated for a UTI, 23.2% (3,197) had ASB. The percentage of patients treated for UTI who had ASB declined over time from 29.0% (95% CI: 26.1%, 32.0%) to 16.9% (95% CI: 14.2%, 20.1%; aOR 0.94 per quarter, 95% CI: 0.92-0.96; Figure 1) with hospitals not belonging to a larger healthcare system having the largest decrease over time (Table 2). Neither the proportion of patients with ASB who were treated with antibiotics (P=0.07) nor the duration of therapy for ASB changed over time (P=0.09); thus, nearly all avoided antibiotic therapy for ASB appeared due to diagnostic stewardship. Conclusions Across 46 hospitals, there was a decrease over time in unnecessary treatment for ASB with independent hospitals improving most. Diagnostic stewardship appeared responsible for nearly all improvement. Disclosures Payal K. Patel, MD, MPH, Qiagen: Honoraria.

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are challenging populations for antimicrobial stewardship interventions due to a variety of reasons, including immunosuppression, consequent risk of opportunistic and donor-derived infections, high rates of infection with multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs), Clostridioides difficile, and need for prolonged antimicrobial prophylaxis. Despite this, data on stewardship interventions and metrics that address the distinct needs of these patients are limited.We performed a narrative review of the current state of antimicrobial stewardship in SOT recipients, existing interventions and metrics in this population, and considerations for implementation of transplant-specific stewardship programs.Antimicrobial stewardship metrics are evolving even in the general patient population. Data on metrics applicable to the SOT population are even more limited. Standard process, outcomes, and balancing metrics may not always apply to the SOT population. A successful stewardship program for SOT recipients requires reviewing existing data, applying general stewardship principles, and understanding the nuances of SOT patients.As antimicrobial stewardship interventions are being implemented in SOT recipients; new metrics are needed to assess their impact. In conclusion, SOT patients present a challenging but important opportunity for antimicrobial stewards.SOT, antimicrobial stewardship program, MDRO, Clostridioides difficile infection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Infectious Diseases Society of America, prospective audit and feedback, hematopoietic cell transplant, cytomegalovirus, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, surgical site infections, nucleic acid amplification testing, days of therapy, defined daily dose, and length of stay.

Background: Safe and effective use of colistin requires robust pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data to guide dosing. Aim: To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of colistimethate sodium and colistin in critically ill patients and correlate with clinical efficacy and renal function. Materials and Methods: Twenty critically ill adult patients with colistin-susceptible multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections and normal renal function treated with intravenous colistimethate sodium – at a 9 million units (270 mg CBA) loading dose followed by maintenance (MD) of 3 million units t.i.d, 24 hours later – were evaluated for clinical cure (CC) at the end of therapy. Patient characteristics and plasma colistin levels at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 hours after the loading dose and at 1, 2 and 8 hours after the eighth and ninth infusion of MD were evaluated. Colistimethate sodium and colistin levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Results: Among the 20 patients who were evaluated, 60% had pneumonia. Predominant pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter spp. Clinical cure was 50% (10/20). Mean peak loading dose concentrations were 3 ± 1.1 mg/L (1.75–5.14) and 2.37 ± 1.2 mg/L (1.52–5.54) for ‘cure’ and ‘failure’ groups, respectively (p = 0.13), while mean steady-state (Cssavg) concentrations were 2.25 ± 1.3 mg/L and 1.78 ± 1.1 mg/L in ‘cure’ and ‘failure’ groups, respectively (p = 0.19). Nephrotoxicity was 5% on day 7 of therapy. However, bacteriological cure could not be correlated with PK/PD. Conclusions: Subtherapeutic Cssavg with clinical failure and lower efficacy without significant nephrotoxicity highlights the need for therapeutic drug monitoring to guide colistin dosing.

Successful antimicrobial stewardship programs rely on engagement with hospital administrators. Antimicrobial stewards should understand the unique pressures and demands of hospital and health system administration and be familiar with key terminology and regulatory requirements. This article provides guidance on strategies for engaging hospital and health system administration to support antimicrobial stewardship, including recommendations for designing a successful antimicrobial stewardship program structure, pitching resource requests, setting meaningful and measurable goals, achieving and communicating results, and fostering ongoing relationships with hospital and health system administration.

Objective: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) can be prevented through infection prevention practices and antibiotic stewardship. Diagnostic stewardship (ie, strategies to improve use of microbiological testing) can also improve antibiotic use. However, little is known about the use of such practices in US hospitals, especially after multidisciplinary stewardship programs became a requirement for US hospital accreditation in 2017. Thus, we surveyed US hospitals to assess antibiotic stewardship program composition, practices related to CDI, and diagnostic stewardship. Methods: Surveys were mailed to infection preventionists at 900 randomly sampled US hospitals between May and October 2017. Hospitals were surveyed on antibiotic stewardship programs; CDI prevention, treatment, and testing practices; and diagnostic stewardship strategies. Responses were compared by hospital bed size using weighted logistic regression. Results: Overall, 528 surveys were completed (59% response rate). Almost all (95%) responding hospitals had an antibiotic stewardship program. Smaller hospitals were less likely to have stewardship team members with infectious diseases (ID) training, and only 41% of hospitals met The Joint Commission accreditation standards for multidisciplinary teams. Guideline-recommended CDI prevention practices were common. Smaller hospitals were less likely to use high-tech disinfection devices, fecal microbiota transplantation, or diagnostic stewardship strategies. Conclusions: Following changes in accreditation standards, nearly all US hospitals now have an antibiotic stewardship program. However, many hospitals, especially smaller hospitals, appear to struggle with access to ID expertise and with deploying diagnostic stewardship strategies. CDI prevention could be enhanced through diagnostic stewardship and by emphasizing the role of non–ID-trained pharmacists and clinicians in antibiotic stewardship.

Chart reviews often fall short of determining what drove antibiotic treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB). To overcome this shortcoming, we searched providers' free-text for documentation of their decision-making and for misleading signs and symptoms that may trigger unnecessary treatment of ASB.We reviewed a random sample of 10 positive urine cultures per month, per facility, from patients in acute or long-term care wards at 8 Veterans Affairs facilities. Cultures were classified as urinary tract infection (UTI) or ASB, and as treated or untreated. Charts were searched for 13 potentially misleading symptoms, and free-text documentation of providers' decision-making was classified into 5 categories. We used generalized estimating equations logistic regression to identify factors associated with ASB treatment.One hundred fifty-eight (27.5%) of 575 ASB cases were inappropriately treated with antibiotics. Significant factors associated with inappropriate treatment included: abdominal pain, falls, decreased urine output, urine characteristics, abnormal vital signs, laboratory values, and voiding issues. Providers prescribed an average of 1.4 antimicrobials to patients with ASB, with cephalosporins (41%) and fluoroquinolones (21%) being the most common classes prescribed.Chart reviews of providers' decision-making highlighted new factors associated with inappropriate ASB treatment. These findings can help design antibiotic stewardship interventions for ASB.

In a survey of hospitals and of patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), we found that most facilities had educational materials or protocols for education of CDI patients. However, approximately half of CDI patients did not recall receiving education during their admission, and knowledge deficits regarding CDI prevention were common.

A national survey conducted in 2012 revealed that the rates of regular use of many evidence-based practices to prevent device-associated infections were low in Japanese hospitals. We conducted a second survey 4 years later to evaluate changes in infection prevention practices.Between July 2016 and January 2017, the instrument used in a survey of Japanese hospitals in 2012 was sent to 1,456 Japanese hospitals. The survey assessed general hospital and infection prevention program characteristics and use of practices specific to preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Independent sample chi-square tests were used to compare prevention practice rates between the first and second surveys.A total of 685/971 (71%) and 940/1,456 (65%) hospitals responded to the first and second surveys, respectively. For CAUTI, only use of bladder ultrasound scanners (11.1%-18.1%; P.001) increased. For CLABSI, use of chlorhexidine gluconate for insertion site antisepsis (18.5%-41.1%; P.001), antimicrobial dressing with chlorhexidine (3.4%-7.1%; P = .001), and central line insertion bundle (22.9%-33.0%; P.001) increased. For VAP, use of semirecumbent positioning of patients (65.0%-72.3%; P = .002), sedation vacation (31.5%-41.6%; P.001), oscillating/kinetic beds (4.7%-8.6%; P = .002), and a collective VAP prevention bundle (24.8%-34.8%; P.001) increased. Fewer than 50% of Japanese hospitals reported conducting CAUTI and VAP surveillance.Collaborative approaches and stronger incentives promoting infection prevention efforts may be warranted to further increase use of most evidence-based practices to reduce common health care-associated infections in Japan.

Background Inappropriate treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a major driver of antibiotic overuse. Demographic and laboratory factors associated with inappropriate antibiotic treatment include older age, pyuria, leukocytosis and dementia. To gain a deeper understanding of inappropriate ASB treatment, we performed an in-depth review of provider documentation capturing a broader range of misleading factors associated with ASB treatment. Methods We reviewed a random sample of 10 positive urine cultures per month per facility from acute or long-term care wards at eight Veteran’s Administration (VA) facilities from 2017-2019 (n=960). Trained chart reviewers classified cultures as UTI or ASB and as treated or untreated. Charts were searched specifically for mention of 8 categories of potentially misleading symptoms that often lead to overtreatment of ASB (e.g. “prior history of UTI”) (Figure legend). We also created a ‘suspected systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)’ category that included any mention of leukocytosis, tachycardia, tachypnea, subjective or low-grade fever, or hypothermia. Generalized estimating equations logistic regression was used for analysis. Results Our study included 575 cultures from patients that were primarily white (71%) males (94%) from acute medicine units (75.7%) with a mean age of 76. Twenty-eight percent (n=159) of ASB cases received antibiotics. In addition to the usual known predictors, multiple new misleading symptoms were found to be associated with ASB treatment (Table). Novel, independent predictors of ASB treatment included behavioral issues, such as falls or fatigue (odds ratio (OR): 1.8; 95% CI: 1.05-3.07), urine characteristics, such as cloudy or odorous urine (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.13-1.75), voiding issues (OR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.43-2.41), and a single, free text mention of a SIRS criteria (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.16-2.3). P-values extracted from multivariate regression model (ASB-asymptomatic bacteriuria; NS-not significant; SIRS- systemic inflammatory response syndrome). The following signs or symptoms compose each category: abnormal laboratory findings: acute kidney injury, abnormal creatinine, leukocytosis, pyuria/positive urinalysis, hyperglycemia; abnormal vital sign: bradycardia, tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, hypotension, hypertension, hypoxia, tachypnea, subjective fever or low-grade fever, syncope; behavior issues: falls, confusion lethargy, fatigue, weakness; nonspecific signs or symptoms: nonspecific gastrointestinal, genitourinary, neurological symptoms; voiding issues: decreased urine output, urinary retention, urinary incontinence; urine characteristics: change in color, foul smell, cloudy urine, sediment; SIRS: ordinal variable characterizing if 1 or ≥ 2 of the following were documented by the provider: leukocytosis, tachycardia, tachypnea, subjective or low-grade fever, hypothermia. Conclusion Our in-depth chart review, with attention to misleading symptoms and any documentation of the provider thought process, highlights new factors associated with inappropriate ASB treatment. Patients with even a single SIRS criteria are at risk for unnecessary treatment of ASB; this finding can help design antibiotic stewardship interventions. Disclosures Barbara Trautner, MD, PhD, Genentech (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator)

Background Accurate and rapid dissemination of clinical information is vital during pandemics, particularly with novel pathogens. To respond to the high volume and constantly evolving knowledge during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) created an online educational COVID-19 Resource Center for frontline clinicians. Methods In February 2020, IDSA launched an online resource center for COVID-19, which housed relevant clinical guidance, institutional protocols, and clinical trials. Then, in September 2020, IDSA leveraged a CDC grant to transform the resource center into the COVID-19 Real Time Learning Network (RTLN), a user-friendly, up-to-date microsite that contains clinically focused original content, guidelines, resources, and multimedia (Figure 1). The RTLN is supported by a team consisting of a Medical Editor, Associate Editors, an Online Editor, and IDSA staff. As of June 2021, the RTLN housed 12 sections, 7 of which are comprised of original content; these 7 sections contain a total of 37 subsections. A Twitter account (@RealTimeCOVID19) was also created in October 2020 to share information from RTLN in real-time. Figure 1. COVID-19 Real Time Learning Network Microsite Results As of June 2021, the most visited page of the RTLN was the Moderna Vaccine page, with 486,969 page views (Figure 2). Peak monthly page views are displayed in Figure 3. Between October 2020 and June 2021, the RTLN Twitter account had 2,911 followers, 2,135,783 impressions, and 41,793 engagements. The account had also hosted 2 Twitter Chats on COVID-19 vaccines; these chats resulted in 19 million and 5.3 million impressions, respectively. Twitter engagements by month are displayed in Figure 4. Figure 2. Literature Review of Moderna COVID 19 Vaccine on RTLN Figure 4. RTLN Twitter Engagements By Month Conclusion A comprehensive educational microsite housing clinically relevant COVID-19 information had high uptake, and an accompanying Twitter account had significant engagement. Rapid curation is labor-intensive and required expansion of our editorial team. To ensure we continue to serve the needs of our users a qualitative survey is planned. Our experience launching the RTLN can serve as a roadmap for the development of accessible and nimble educational resources during future pandemics. Disclosures Varun Phadke, MD, Nothing to disclose

Background Antimicrobial stewardship (AS) programs are required by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and should ideally have infectious diseases (ID) physician involvement; however, only 50% of ID fellowship programs have formal AS curricula. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) formed a workgroup to develop a core AS curriculum for ID fellows. Here we study its impact. Methods ID program directors and fellows in 56 fellowship programs were surveyed regarding the content and effectiveness of their AS training before and after implementation of the IDSA curriculum. Fellows’ knowledge was assessed using multiple-choice questions. Fellows completing their first year of fellowship were surveyed before curriculum implementation (“pre-curriculum”) and compared to first-year fellows who complete the curriculum the following year (“post-curriculum”). Results Forty-nine (88%) program directors and 105 (67%) fellows completed the pre-curriculum surveys; 35 (64%) program directors and 79 (50%) fellows completed the post-curriculum surveys. Prior to IDSA curriculum implementation, only 51% of programs had a “formal” curriculum. After implementation, satisfaction with AS training increased among program directors (16% to 68%) and fellows (51% to 68%). Fellows’ confidence increased in 7/10 AS content areas. Knowledge scores improved from a mean of 4.6 to 5.1 correct answers of 9 questions (P = .028). The major hurdle to curriculum implementation was time, both for formal teaching and for e-learning. Conclusions Effective AS training is a critical component of ID fellowship training. The IDSA Core AS Curriculum can enhance AS training, increase fellow confidence, and improve overall satisfaction of fellows and program directors.

Professional societies serve many functions that benefit constituents; however, few professional societies have undertaken the development and dissemination of formal, national curricula to train the future workforce while simultaneously addressing significant healthcare needs. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has developed 2 curricula for the specific purpose of training the next generation of clinicians to ensure the future infectious diseases (ID) workforce is optimally trained to lead antimicrobial stewardship programs and equipped to meet the challenges of multidrug resistance, patient safety, and healthcare quality improvement. A core curriculum was developed to provide a foundation in antimicrobial stewardship for all ID fellows, regardless of career path. An advanced curriculum was developed for ID fellows specifically pursuing a career in antimicrobial stewardship. Both curricula will be broadly available in the summer of 2021 through the IDSA website.

BACKGROUND: Nursing home (NH) populations have borne the brunt of morbidity and mortality of COVID-19. We surveyed Michigan NHs to evaluate preparedness, staffing, testing, and adaptations to these challenges. METHODS: Interpandemic survey responses were collected May 1-12, 2020. We used Pearson's Chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression to evaluate relationships. RESULTS: Of 452 Michigan NHs contacted via e-mail, 145 (32.1%) opened the survey and of these, 143 (98.6%) responded. Sixty-eight percent of respondents indicated their response plan addressed most issues. NHs reported receiving rapidly changing guidance from many sources. Two-thirds reported shortages of personal protective equipment and other supplies. Half (50%) lacked sufficient testing resources with only 36% able to test residents and staff with suspected COVID-19. A majority (55%) experienced staffing shortages. Sixty-three percent experienced resignations, with front-line clinical staff more likely to resign, particularly in facilities caring for COVID-19 patients (P < .001). Facilities adapted quickly, creating COVID-19 units (78%) to care for patients on site. To reduce isolation, NHs facilitated communication via phone calls (98%), videoconferencing (96%), and window visits (81%). A majority continued to provide requisite therapies (90%). CONCLUSIONS: NHs experienced shortages of resources, testing supplies, and staffing challenges. COVID-19 in the facility was a key predictor of staff resignations. Facilities relied on rapidly changing, often conflicting advice from multiple sources, suggesting high-yield areas of improvement.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global and pressing problem that requires large-scale, federal coordination of efforts and tailored local interventions and surveillance. Given the urgency of the threat, many countries now have national policies to reduce inappropriate antimicrobial use. However, few countries have followed this with resources at the institutional level to support the implementation of practices to achieve this goal. In the United States, accreditation bodies such as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and The Joint Commission have added antimicrobial stewardship standards to encourage uptake of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs).

BACKGROUND: Prior to implementing an antibiotic stewardship intervention for asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB), we assessed institutional barriers to change using the Organizational Readiness to Change Assessment (ORCA). METHODS: Surveys were self-administered on paper in inpatient medicine and long-term care units at 4 Veterans Affairs facilities. Participants included providers, nurses, and pharmacists. The survey included seven subscales: evidence (perceived strength of evidence) and six context subscales (favorability of organizational context). Responses were scored on a 5-point Likert-type scale. RESULTS: 104 surveys were completed (response rate =69.3%). Overall, the evidence subscale had the highest score; the resources subscale (mean 2.8) was significantly lower than other subscales (P < 0.001). Scores for budget and staffing resources were lower than scores for training and facility resources (P < 0.001 for both). Pharmacists had lower scores than providers for the staff culture subscale (P = 0.04). The site with the lowest scores for resources (mean 2.4) also had lower scores for leadership and lower pharmacist effort devoted to stewardship. CONCLUSIONS: Although healthcare professionals endorsed the evidence about non-treatment of ASB, perceived barriers to antibiotic stewardship included inadequate resources and leadership support. These findings provide targets for tailoring the stewardship intervention to maximize success.

Background Antibacterials may be initiated out of concern for bacterial coinfection in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We determined prevalence and predictors of empiric antibacterial therapy and community-onset bacterial coinfections in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods A randomly sampled cohort of 1705 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in 38 Michigan hospitals between 3/13/2020 and 6/18/2020. Data were collected on early (within 2 days of hospitalization) empiric antibacterial therapy and community-onset bacterial coinfections (positive microbiologic test ≤3 days). Poisson generalized estimating equation models were used to assess predictors. Results Of 1705 patients with COVID-19, 56.6% were prescribed early empiric antibacterial therapy; 3.5% (59/1705) had a confirmed community-onset bacterial infection. Across hospitals, early empiric antibacterial use varied from 27% to 84%. Patients were more likely to receive early empiric antibacterial therapy if they were older (adjusted rate ratio [ARR]: 1.04 [1.00–1.08] per 10 years); had a lower body mass index (ARR: 0.99 [0.99–1.00] per kg/m2), more severe illness (eg, severe sepsis; ARR: 1.16 [1.07–1.27]), a lobar infiltrate (ARR: 1.21 [1.04–1.42]); or were admitted to a for-profit hospital (ARR: 1.30 [1.15–1.47]). Over time, COVID-19 test turnaround time (returned ≤1 day in March [54.2%, 461/850] vs April [85.2%, 628/737], P < .001) and empiric antibacterial use (ARR: 0.71 [0.63–0.81] April vs March) decreased. Conclusions The prevalence of confirmed community-onset bacterial coinfections was low. Despite this, half of patients received early empiric antibacterial therapy. Antibacterial use varied widely by hospital. Reducing COVID-19 test turnaround time and supporting stewardship could improve antibacterial use.

We describe traditional antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) activities with a discussion of how these activities can be refocused in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we discuss possible adverse consequences of ASP attention diversion on COVID-19 response efforts and overall implications for future pandemic planning. We also discuss ASP in collaboration with other groups within health systems and how COVID-19 may affect these relationships long term. Despite the paucity of literature on Antimicrobial Stewardship and COVID-19, the potential contributions of ASPs during a pandemic are numerous. ASPs can develop strategies to identify patients with COVID-19-like-illness; this is particularly useful when these patients are missed at the time of health system entry. ASPs can also play a critical role in the management of potential drug shortages, developing local treatment guidelines, optimizing the use of antibiotics, and in the diagnostic stewardship of COVID-19 testing, among other roles. Importantly, it is often difficult to ascertain whether critically ill patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19 have concurrent or secondary bacterial infections-ASPs are ideally situated to help optimize antimicrobial use for these patients via a variety of mechanisms. ASPs are uniquely positioned to aid in pandemic response planning and relief efforts. ASPs are already integrated into health systems and play a key role in optimizing antimicrobial prescribing. As ASPs assist in COVID-19 response, understanding the role of ASPs in pandemic relief efforts may mitigate damage from future outbreaks.

Background The cost of an antibiotic stewardship intervention is an important yet often neglected factor in antibiotic stewardship research. We studied the costs associated with successful implementation of the “Kicking CAUTI” intervention to decrease treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB). Methods A central coordinating site facilitated roll-out of an audit and feedback intervention to decrease unnecessary urine cultures and antibiotic treatment in patients with ASB in four Veterans Affairs medical centers. Each site had a physician site champion, a part-time research coordinator, and 1-2 additional participants (often pharmacists). Participants kept weekly time-logs to collect the minutes associated with intervention tasks, and percent full-time effort (FTE) and costs were computed. For weeks with missing logs the average minutes for each activity associated with each type of professional was imputed. Salary information was obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Association of American Medical Colleges. Results Research coordinator time comprised of majority of the personnel time, followed by the physician site champions (Figure 1). Each intervention site required about 10% FTE/year of a research coordinator, and 3.5% FTE/year and 3.8% FTE/year of a physician and pharmacist respectively. The coordinating site required 37% FTE/year of a research coordinator, and 9% FTE of a physician to spearhead the intervention. Research coordinators predominantly spent their time on chart-reviews and project coordination. Physician champions predominantly spent their time on delivering audit and feedback and project coordination. The intervention cost USD 22,299/year per site on average, and USD 45,359/year for the coordinating site. Conclusion The Kicking CAUTI intervention was successful at reducing urine cultures and associated antibiotic use, with minimal time from the local team members. The research coordinators’ time was primarily spent on collection of research data, which will not be necessary outside of a research project. Our model of centralized facilitation makes economic sense for widespread scale-up and dissemination of antibiotic stewardship interventions in integrated healthcare systems. Disclosures Barbara Trautner, MD, PhD, Genentech (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator)

Background Antibiotic therapy has no known benefit against COVID-19, but is often initiated out of concern for concomitant bacterial infection. We sought to determine how common early empiric antibiotic therapy and community-onset bacterial co-infections are in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods In this multi-center cohort study of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 discharged from 32 Michigan hospitals during the COVID-19 Michigan surge, we describe the use of early empiric antibiotic therapy (within the first two days) and prevalence of community-onset bacterial co-infection. Additionally, we assessed patient and hospital predictors of early empiric antibiotic using poison generalized estimating equation models. Results Between 3/10/2020 and 5/10/2020, data were collected on 951 COVID-19 PCR positive patients. Patient characteristics are described in Table 1. Nearly two thirds (62.4%, 593/951) of COVID-19 positive patients were prescribed early empiric antibiotic therapy, most of which (66.2%, 393/593) was directed at community-acquired pathogens. Across hospitals, the proportion of COVID-19 patients prescribed early empiric antibiotics varied from 40% to 90% (Figure 1). On multivariable analysis, patients were more likely to receive early empiric antibiotic therapy if they were older (adjusted rate ratio [ARR]: 1.01 [1.00–1.01] per year), required respiratory support (e.g., low flow oxygen, ARR: 1.16 [1.04–1.29]), had signs of a bacterial infection (e.g., lobar infiltrate, ARR: 1.17 [1.02–1.34]), or were admitted to a for-profit hospital (ARR: 1.27 [1.11–1.45]); patients admitted later were less likely to receive empiric antibiotics (April vs. March, ARR: 0.72 [0.62–0.84], Table 2). Community-onset bacterial co-infections were identified in 4.5% (43/951) of COVID-19 positive patients (2.4% [23/951] positive blood culture; 1.9% [18/951] positive respiratory culture). Conclusion Despite low prevalence of community-onset bacterial co-infections, patients hospitalized with COVID-19 often received early empiric antibiotic therapy. Given the potential harms from unnecessary antibiotic use, including additional personal protective equipment to administer antibiotics, judicious antibiotic use is key in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Disclosures Tejal N. Gandhi, MD, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (Grant/Research Support) Scott A. Flanders, MD, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (Research Grant or Support)Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (Research Grant or Support)

Testing for and incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) was examined at a single center before and during the first surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Incidence of CDI remained stable but testing statistically significantly decreased during the first surge despite an increase in antibiotic use. There were no new CDI-focused antimicrobial stewardship interventions introduced during this time., Graphical abstract Image 1

Background We evaluated the extent to which hospital characteristics, infection control practices, and compliance with prevention bundles impacted multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) infections in Thai hospitals. Methods From 1 January 2014 to 30 November 2014, we surveyed all Thai hospitals with an intensive care unit and ≥250 beds. Infection control practices for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB) were assessed. Linear regression was used to examine associations between hospital characteristics and prevention bundle compliance and changes in MDRO infection rates. Results A total of 212 of 245 (86.5%) eligible hospitals responded. Most hospitals regularly used several fundamental infection control practices for MRSA and MDR-AB (ie, contact precautions, private room/cohorting, hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and antibiotic stewardship); advanced infection control practices (ie, active surveillance, chlorhexidine bathing, decolonization for MRSA, and hydrogen peroxide vaporizer for MDR-AB) were used less commonly. Facilities with ≥75% compliance with the MRSA prevention bundle experienced a 17.4% reduction in MRSA rates (P = .03). Although the presence of environmental cleaning services (41.3% reduction, P = .01) and a microbiology laboratory (82.8% reduction, P = .02) were among characteristics associated with decreases in MDR-AB rates, greater compliance with the MDR-AB prevention bundle did not lead to reductions in MDR-AB rates. Conclusions Although fundamental MRSA and MDR-AB control practices are used regularly in most Thai hospitals, compliance with more comprehensive bundled prevention approaches is suboptimal. Improving compliance with bundled infection prevention approaches and promoting the integration of certain hospital factors into infection control efforts may help reduce MDRO infections in Thai hospitals.

Background: Targeted antibiotic stewardship interventions are needed to reduce unnecessary treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB). Organizational readiness for change is a precursor to successful change implementation. The Organizational Readiness to Change Assessment (ORCA) is a validated survey instrument that has been used to detect potential obstacles and tailor interventions. In an outpatient stewardship study, primary care practices with high readiness to change trended toward greater improvements in antibiotic prescribing. We used the ORCA to assess barriers to change before implementing a multicenter inpatient stewardship intervention for ASB. Methods: Surveys were self-administered by healthcare professionals in inpatient medicine and long-term care units at 4 geographically diverse Veterans’ Affairs facilities during January–December 2018. Participants included providers (physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners), nurses, pharmacists, infection preventionists, and quality managers. The survey included 7 subscales: evidence (perceived evidence strength) and 6 context subscales (favorability of the organizational context to support change). Responses were scored on a 5-point Likert scale, with 1 meaning very weak or strongly disagree. Scores were compared between professional types and sites. We also measured allocated employee effort for stewardship at each site. Results: Overall, 104 surveys were completed, with an overall response rate of 69.3%. For all sites combined, the evidence subscale had the highest score of the 7 subscales (mean, 4; SD, 0.9); the resources subscale was significantly lower than other subscales (mean, 2.8; SD, 0.9; P < .001). Scores for budget and staffing resources were lower than scores for training and facility resources (P < .001 for both comparisons). Pharmacists had lower scores than providers for the staff culture subscale (P = .04). Comparing subscales between sites, ORCA scores were significantly different for leadership behavior (communication and management), measurement (goal setting and accountability), and general resources (Fig. 1). The site with the lowest scores for resources (mean, 2.4) also had lower scores for leadership behavior and measurement, and lower pharmacist effort devoted to antibiotic stewardship. Conclusions: Although healthcare professionals endorsed the evidence about nontreatment of ASB, perceived barriers to antibiotic stewardship included inadequate resources and lack of leadership support. These findings provide targets for tailoring the intervention to maximize the success of our stewardship program. Our support to sites with lower leadership scores includes training of local champions who are dedicated to supporting the intervention. For sites with low scores for resources, our targeted implementation strategies include analyzing local needs and avoiding increased workload for existing personnel.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Background The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has supported the development of the Core and Advanced Antimicrobial Stewardship (AS) Curricula for fellows to ensure the future ID workforce is effectively prepared to practice, participate in and lead AS efforts in health care institutions. The Core AS Curriculum is currently available; the Advanced AS Curriculum pilot will begin July, 2020. Methods IDSA formed the AS Curriculum Workgroup, comprised of leaders in AS and medical education from institutions across the country, to lead the AS Curricula development process. The workgroup conducted two surveys of ID Fellowship Program Directors, one in 2016 for the core curriculum and a second in 2018 for the advanced curriculum, to assess existing AS educational resources and determine needs for additional AS educational and evaluation resources. The workgroup used the evaluation data to inform the content, delivery methods, and assessment tools for the curricula. The Core AS Curriculum is designed to provide fellows foundational knowledge and skills in AS. The Advanced AS Curriculum is designed to provide fellows the knowledge and skills to become leaders in AS. The Core AS Curriculum was piloted by 56 ID Fellowship Programs in 2018 and then made broadly available via IDSA Academy in 2019. Pilot data will be used to improve future iterations of the curriculum. The Advanced AS Curriculum pilot will begin in 2020 and will be broadly available in 2021. Results The curricular packages contain a variety of training resources including eLearning modules, lectures slides, case-based questions, videos, reading materials, pocket cards, group-based learning, role play exercises and simulations. The modules can be taught by faculty to fellows or conducted as a self-directed learning experience. Program directors and fellows who participated in the Core AS Curriculum pilot reported that their fellowship program was significantly more effective in teaching multiple key stewardship content areas (Table). Table. Conclusion Evaluation data from programs who piloted the Core AS Curriculum indicate that this blended learning experience is an effective method for teaching AS and in providing educational and assessment tools for ID fellowship programs. The Advanced AS Curriculum will be similarly evaluated. Disclosures Julie Ann Justo, PharmD, MS, BCPS-AQ ID, bioMerieux (Speaker’s Bureau)TRC Healthcare (Speaker’s Bureau)

Background Nursing home (NH) populations are at higher risk for morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19. A March 2020 NH survey indicated improvements in pandemic planning when compared to a similar survey in 2007. We surveyed NHs to evaluate how well pandemic preparedness plans and infection prevention strategies met the reality of COVID-19. Methods The first COVID-19 case in Michigan was reported March 10, 2020. In the setting of 46,088 cases and 4,327 deaths statewide as of May 1, we disseminated an online survey to state department-registered NHs to describe their experience of the initial pandemic wave. Responses were collected May 1–12, during which the state averaged 585 cases/day. We were particularly interested in NH preparedness, challenges, testing capacity, and adaptations made. Results Of 452 NHs contacted, 145 opened the survey and 143 (32%) responded. A majority (68%) indicated that their facility’s pandemic response plan addressed > 90% of issues they experienced; 29% reported their plan addressed most but not all anticipated concerns (Table 1). As the pandemic evolved, all facilities (100%) provided additional staff education on proper personal protective equipment (PPE) use. 66% reported experiencing shortages of PPE and other supplies. Half of all facilities (50%) lacked sufficient resources to test asymptomatic residents or staff; only 36% were able to test all residents and staff with suspected COVID-19 infection. Half (52%) considered their communication regarding COVID-19 with nearby hospitals “very good.” The majority of facilities (55%) experienced staffing shortages, often relying on remaining staff to work additional hours and/or contracted staff to fill deficits (Table 2). NH staff resignations increased, with 63% of NHs experiencing resignations; staff with greater bedside contact were more likely to leave, including nurses and nurse assistants. Conclusion While most NHs had a plan to respond to COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, many facilities experienced a lack of available resources, less than ideal communication lines with local hospitals, lack of testing capacity and insufficient staff. These shortcomings indicate potential high-yield areas of improvement in pandemic preparedness in the NH setting. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Background:Antibiotic-resistant organism (ARO) colonization rates in skilled nursing facilities (NFs) are high; hand hygiene is crucial to interrupt transmission. We aimed to determine factors associated with hand hygiene adherence in NFs and to assess rates of ARO acquisition among healthcare personnel (HCP).Methods:HCP were observed during routine care at 6 NFs. We recorded hand hygiene adherence, glove use, activities, and time in room. HCP hands were cultured before and after patient care; patients and high-touch surfaces were cultured. HCP activities were categorized as high-versus low-risk for self-contamination. Multivariable regression was performed to identify predictors of hand hygiene adherence.Results:We recorded 385 HCP observations and paired them with cultures performed before and after patient care. Hand hygiene adherence occurred in 96 of 352 observations (27.3%) before patient care and 165 of 358 observations (46.1%) after patient care. Gloves were worn in 169 of 376 observations (44.9%). Higher adherence was associated with glove use before patient care (odds ratio [OR], 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44–4.54) and after patient care (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.77–5.48). Compared with nurses, certified nurse assistants had lower hand hygiene adherence (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.15–0.67) before patient care and physical/occupational therapists (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.11–0.44) after patient care. Hand hygiene varied by activity performed and time in the room. HCP hands were contaminated with AROs in 35 of 385 cultures of hands before patient care (0.9%) and 22 of 350 cultures of hands after patient care (6.3%).Conclusions:Hand hygiene adherence in NFs remain low; it is influenced by job title, type of care activity, and glove use. Hand hygiene programs should incorporate these unique care and staffing factors to reduce ARO transmission.

Background Antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) outcomes are often measured in the acute care setting, less is known about the effect of acute care antibiotic exposures on multidrug-resistant organism (MDROs) colonization of nursing home (NH) patients. We assessed exposure to antibiotics commonly associated with Clostridioides difficile (C. diffogenic agents) on post-acute care patient colonization and room environment contamination (Figure 1). Figure 1. Conceptual Diagram of Hospital Antibiotic Exposure’s Influence on Patient Colonization and Room Environment Contamination with Multidrug-Resistant Organisms Methods MDRO surveillance of post-acute care patients in 6 NHs between 2013–16. We screened patient hands, nares, oropharynx, groin, perianal area, and high-touch room environment surfaces for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and resistant Gram-negative bacilli (rGNB). C. diffogenic agents were defined as fluoroquinolones, 3rd/4th generation cephalosporins, penicillin combinations, lincosamides, and carbapenems. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess whether hospital antibiotic exposure is an independent risk factor for MDRO colonization and room environment contamination on study enrollment. Results We enrolled 618 patients: average age was 74.4 years; 57.4% female; 62.3% white; 9.9% had indwelling devices (Table 1). Three hundred-fifty patients (56.6%) were MDRO colonized on enrollment: 98 (15.9%), MRSA; 208 (33.7%); VRE; 196 (31.7%), rGNB. Sixty-eight percent of patient rooms were MDRO contaminated: 166 (26.9%), MRSA; 293, (47.4%). VRE; 182 (29.5%), rGNB. A majority (59.4%) of patients were exposed to an antibiotic before admission. Of which, 239 (65.1%) were exposed to a C. diffogenic antibiotic. In multivariable analysis, C. diffogenic antibiotic exposure was an independent risk factor for MDRO colonization (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.35–2.79), MDRO room environment contamination (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.43–2.63), VRE colonization (OR, 4.23; 95% CI, 2.59–6.90), and VRE room environment contamination (OR, 2.58; 95% CI, 2.00–3.33). Table 1. Clinical Characteristics and MDRO Burden on Study Enrollment, Stratified by Hospital Antibiotic Exposure Status Multivariable Analysis of Hospital Antibiotic Exposure Status as Risk Factor for Proximal and Distal MDRO Outcomes Conclusion Hospital exposure to antibiotics is associated with an increased risk of VRE colonization and room environment contamination on NH study enrollment. These observations highlight the potential influence of hospital-based ASPs on MDRO prevalence and transmission in NHs. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Background We previously conducted a successful single-site intervention to improve compliance with antibiotic stewardship guidelines for asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB). In this dissemination project we explored whether we could facilitate antibiotic stewardship for ASB at a distance, in four distant VA medical centers. Methods Each site champion received a decision-aid algorithm, interactive teaching based on actual cases, and support with data collection. The focus of the intervention was on teaching providers in acute and long-term care to avoid ordering unnecessary urine cultures. We measured DOT (days of antibiotic therapy), LOT (length of antibiotic therapy) and urine cultures ordered per 1,000 bed-days monthly in the intervention sites and four matched control sites. Both DOT and LOT captured all systemic antibiotics initiated on day -1 to +2 of a urine culture order. We conducted segmented regression analyses for the three outcomes for the intervention and control sites separately, and difference in differences analysis for urine cultures. Results Over the baseline and intervention years, 12,260 urine cultures were ordered in 6823 unique patients in the acute and long-term care wards at the 8 sites. During the baseline year, the average urine-culture related DOT was 45.1 and LOT was 34.7, per 1000 bed-days. Both DOT and LOT decreased significantly over the intervention period in the intervention sites (p < 0.05 for both); a significant decrease was not seen in the control sites (Figures 1 and 2). For urine cultures, at baseline the average number of cultures ordered per month per 1000 bed-days was 13.6. Both intervention and control sites saw a significant decrease in urine cultures over the baseline year. In the intervention year, urine cultures continued to decrease in the intervention sites (p=0.001) but increased in the control sites (Figure 3). Figure 1. Days of Therapy (DOT) per 1,000 bed-days, for antibiotics started within -1 to +2 days of a urine culture Figure 2. Length of Therapy (LOT) per 1,000 bed-days, for antibiotics started within -1 to +2 days of a urine culture Figure 3. Urine Cultures per 1,000 bed-days Conclusion Our externally-facilitated intervention significantly decreased local antibiotic use (both DOT and LOT) and urine cultures. Unnecessary urine cultures are a major driver of unnecessary antibiotic use for ASB, and our focus on diagnostic stewardship for urine cultures led to antibiotic stewardship. Our next step will be to further disseminate our intervention to other VA facilities. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Background Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health threat internationally but, particularly in India. A primary contributing factor to this rise in resistance includes unregulated access to antimicrobials. Implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) in the acute hospital setting will help curb inappropriate antibiotic use in India. Currently, ASPs are rare in India but are gaining momentum. This study describes ASP implementation in a large, academic, private, tertiary care center in India. Methods An ASP was established in February 2016 consisting of an administrative champion, hospitalist, microbiologist, intensivist, and pharmacists. Antimicrobial stewardship program interventions included postprescriptive audit and establishment of institutional guidelines. The ASP tracked appropriate drug selection including loading dose, maintenance dose, frequency, route, duration of therapy, de-escalation, and compliance with ASP recommendations. Defined daily dose (DDD) of drugs and cost of antimicrobials were compared between the pre-implementation phase (February 2015–January 2016) and post-implementation phase (February 2016–January 2017). Results Of 48 555 patients admitted during the post-implementation phase, 1020 received 1326 prescriptions for restricted antibiotics. Antibiotic therapy was appropriate in 56% (742) of the total patient prescriptions. A total of 2776 instances of “inappropriate” antimicrobial prescriptions were intervened upon by the ASP. Duration (806, 29%) was the most common reason for inappropriate therapy. Compliance with ASP recommendations was 54% (318). For all major restricted drugs, the DDD/1000 patient days declined, and there was a significant reduction in mean monthly cost by 14.4% in the post-implementation phase. Conclusions Implementation of a multidisciplinary antibiotic stewardship program in this academic, large, Indian hospital demonstrated feasibility and economic benefits.

Background Most nursing facilities (NFs) lack methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) surveillance programs due to limited resources and high costs. We investigated the utility of environmental screening of high-touch surfaces in patient rooms as a way to circumvent these challenges. Methods We compared MRSA and VRE culture data from high-touch surfaces in patients' rooms (14450 samples from 6 NFs) and ranked each site's performance in predicting patient colonization (7413 samples). The best-performing sites were included in a MRSA- and a VRE-specific panel that functioned as a proxy for patient colonization. Molecular typing was performed to confirm available concordant patient-environment pairs. Results We identified and validated a MRSA panel that consisted of the bed controls, nurse call button, bed rail, and TV remote control. The VRE panel included the toilet seat, bed controls, bed rail, TV remote control, and top of the side table. Panel colonization data tracked patient colonization. Negative predictive values were 89%-92% for MRSA and 82%-84% for VRE. Molecular typing confirmed a strong clonal type relationship in available concordant patient-environment pairs (98% for MRSA, 91% for VRE), pointing to common epidemiological patterns for environmental and patient isolates. Conclusions Environmental panels used as a proxy for patient colonization and incorporated into facility surveillance protocols can guide decolonization strategies, improve awareness of MRSA and VRE burden, and inform efforts to reduce transmission. Targeted environmental screening may be a viable surveillance strategy for MRSA and VRE detection in NFs.

A needs assessment survey of infectious diseases (ID) training program directors identified gaps in educational resources for training and evaluating ID fellows in antimicrobial stewardship. An Infectious Diseases Society of America–sponsored core curriculum was developed to address that need.

Background Antimicrobial stewardship to combat the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a national priority. This project focuses on reducing inappropriate use of antimicrobials for asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB), a very common condition that leads to antimicrobial overuse in acute and long-term care. We previously conducted a successful intervention, entitled “Kicking Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI): the No Knee-Jerk Antibiotics Campaign,” to decrease guideline-discordant ordering of urine cultures and antibiotics for ASB. The current objective is to facilitate implementation of a scalable version of the Kicking CAUTI campaign across four geographically diverse Veterans Health Administration facilities while assessing what aspects of an antimicrobial stewardship intervention are essential to success and sustainability. Methods This project uses an interrupted time series design with four control sites. The two main intervention tools are (1) an evidence-based algorithm that distills the guidelines into a streamlined clinical pathway and (2) case-based audit and feedback to train clinicians to use the algorithm. Our conceptual framework for the development and implementation of this intervention draws on May’s General Theory of Implementation. The intervention is directed at providers in acute and long-term care, and the goal is to reduce inappropriate screening for and treatment of ASB in all patients and residents, not just those with urinary catheters. The start-up for each facility consists of centrally-led phone calls with local site champions and baseline surveys. Case-based audit and feedback will begin at a given site after the start-up period and continue for 12 months, followed by a sustainability assessment. In addition to the clinical outcomes, we will explore the relationship between the dose of the intervention and clinical outcomes. Discussion This project moves from a proof-of-concept effectiveness study to implementation involving significantly more sites, and uses the General Theory of Implementation to embed the intervention into normal processes of care with usual care providers. Aspects of implementation that will be explored include dissemination, internal and external facilitation, and organizational partnerships. “Less is More” is the natural next step from our prior successful Kicking CAUTI intervention, and has the potential to improve patient care while advancing the science of implementation.

Background To strengthen state collaborative efforts and reduce common healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in short-stay and long-term acute care hospitals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched “States Targeting Reduction in Infections via Engagement” (STRIVE) - a national quality improvement program. Methods STRIVE consisted of a multimodal intervention implemented from November 2016 to May 2018 (Figure 1). Hospitals with excess Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and a high burden of at least one of the following HAIs - central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infection were targeted. Monthly aggregate HAI and device utilization ratios - according to CDC National Healthcare Safety Network definitions - were measured during the pre vs. post-intervention periods. Thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with state partners was conducted to understand the influence of the intervention. Results Overall, 387 hospitals from 23 states and the District of Columbia participated. Changes in HAI rates and catheter utilization are illustrated in Figure 2. From pre- to post-intervention, substantial changes in HAI rates above temporal trends were not observed (CDI, 7.0 to 5.7 per 10000 patient-days; CLABSI, 0.88 to 0.80 per 1000 catheter days; CAUTI, 1.12 to 1.04 per 1000 catheter days; MRSA bloodstream infection, 0.075 to 0.071 per 1,000 patient-days) Similarly, catheter utilization did not differ substantially between the pre- and post-intervention periods (24.05 to 22.07 central line days per 100 patient-days; 21.46 to 19.83 urinary catheter days per 100 patient-days). Qualitative analysis of 17 interviews with state partners showed that relationships among state partners and hospitals were strengthened, potentially facilitating collaboration on future infection prevention efforts. Conclusion Though HAI reductions were observed during STRIVE, these reductions were consistent with temporal trends. Hospitals struggling with high HAI rates may require additional novel approaches. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Background Hospital-acquired urinary tract-related bloodstream infections are rare but often lethal. Recent epidemiology of this condition among the United States veteran population is poorly described. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of hospital-acquired urinary tract-related bloodstream infections of adult inpatients admitted to 4 Veterans Affairs hospitals over 15 years. Electronic medical records were used to obtain clinical, demographic, and microbiologic information. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted using chi-square tests of association. Test for trend was performed by genus of organism and for case fatality rate over time. Results While the most commonly isolated organisms were Staphylococcus spp. (36.5%), the incidence of infections caused by Escherichia and Klebsiella increased over time (P = .02 and P = .03, respectively). The overall in-hospital case fatality rate was 24.2% in 499 patients. The case fatality rate was 25.8% for patients with Staphylococcus infections and 20.7% for patients with enterococcal infections. Conclusions Hospital-acquired urinary tract-related bloodstream infection is commonly due to Staphylococcus spp. and is related to the high fatality among United States veterans. Focused infection control efforts could decrease the incidence of this fatal infection.

BACKGROUNDPeripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are associated with central-line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). However, no tools to predict risk of PICC-CLABSI have been developed.OBJECTIVETo operationalize or prioritize CLABSI risk factors when making decisions regarding the use of PICCs using a risk model to estimate an individual’s risk of PICC-CLABSI prior to device placement.METHODSUsing data from the Michigan Hospital Medicine Safety consortium, patients that experienced PICC-CLABSI between January 2013 and October 2016 were identified. A Cox proportional hazards model with robust sandwich standard error estimates was then used to identify factors associated with PICC-CLABSI. Based on regression coefficients, points were assigned to each predictor and summed for each patient to create the Michigan PICC-CLABSI (MPC) score. The predictive performance of the score was assessed using time-dependent area-under-the-curve (AUC) values.RESULTSOf 23,088 patients that received PICCs during the study period, 249 patients (1.1%) developed a CLABSI. Significant risk factors associated with PICC-CLABSI included hematological cancer (3 points), CLABSI within 3 months of PICC insertion (2 points), multilumen PICC (2 points), solid cancers with ongoing chemotherapy (2 points), receipt of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) through the PICC (1 point), and presence of another central venous catheter (CVC) at the time of PICC placement (1 point). The MPC score was significantly associated with risk of CLABSI (PCONCLUSIONThe MPC score offers a novel way to inform decisions regarding PICC use, surveillance of high-risk cohorts, and utility of blood cultures when PICC-CLABSI is suspected. Future studies validating the score are necessary.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2017;38:1155–1166

We assessed multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) patient hand colonization in relation to the environment in post-acute care to determine risk factors for MDRO hand colonization. Patient hand colonization was significantly associated with environmental contamination. Risk factors for hand colonization included disability, urinary catheter, recent antibiotic use, and prolonged hospital stay.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1110–1113

Background Despite a significant increase in fungal blood stream (BSI) infections in India, there is paucity of data on regional prevalence of major fungal species, and risk factors for this infection. We describe the epidemiology and predictors of fungal BSI in a tertiary care center in Kerala, India with a novel antimicrobial stewardship program in place. Methods Data on adult inpatients who had at least one positive fungal culture from blood samples were collected from electronic medical records over a period of 48 months (January 2012 and December 2015). Year wise epidemiology and risk factor characterization of fungal BSI were done using χ2 method. Results A total of 219 fungal BSI were identified with incidence of 1.08 cases/1,000 patients and there was a 15% decrease over the 4-year period. There was a 300% increase in fungal BSI in patients older than 80 years. Candida was the most common cause of fungal BSI (92%), with a 100% increase in incidence of C. glabrata and C. haemolunii, and a 45% decrease in C. parapsilosis seen over the 4-year period. Community-acquired fungal BSI increased by 700% while hospital-associated infections dropped by 29%. Twenty-three percent decrease in inappropriate antifungal treatment was observed from 2012 to 2015. Isolates reflected a 71% increase in resistance to amphotericin B and a 114% increase in fluconazole resistance. Thirty-one percent reduction in all-cause mortality was seen in the cohort over the study period. Among the risk factors for fungal BSI, ICU stay, use of urinary catheter, surgery, neutropenia, and diabetes decreased while prior antibiotic use and steroid use significantly increased over the years (P < 0.05). Predictors of mortality included male gender, prior use of antibiotics, ICU stay, use of ventilator, chemotherapy, chronic liver disease, hypertension, presence of Candida parapsilosis, and inappropriate therapy (P < 0.05). Conclusion A significant shift in fungal BSI epidemiology was observed in our center with increase in overall antifungal resistance. Antimicrobial stewardship and infection control programs may have contributed to reduced mortality and reduced hospital-associated infections. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Background In India, Candida bloodstream infections have a reported incidence of 1–12 per 1,000 admissions and a mortality rate of up to 60%. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) can improve quality of care and clinical outcomes. This study evaluates the impact of a comprehensive candidemia ASP bundle in a hospital in southern India with an established stewardship program. Methods A single-center, pre-post quasi-experimental study was conducted at a tertiary-care center in southern India to analyze the impact of an ASP care bundle for the management of adults with candidemia. During the intervention period (October 2017–December 2018), the ASP provided recommendations to providers in accordance with the 2016 IDSA Guidelines for the Management of Candidemia, which included the following bundle: (1) appropriate selection and dosing of antifungal therapy; (2) repeat blood cultures every 48 hours until clearance; (3) removal of central venous catheters and other potential removable foci of infection; (4) echocardiogram; (5) ophthalmologic evaluation; and (6) appropriate duration of therapy. The primary outcome was initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy. Additional clinical outcomes were also compared with a historical cohort. Results One hundred and four patients with candidemia were included: 52 in the pre-intervention and 52 in the post-intervention group. Overall, baseline demographics were similar between the two groups (Table 1). Candida tropicalis (26.9%) and Candida parapsilosis (29.8%) were the most common causes of candidemia in the cohort. Following intervention, administration of appropriate antifungal therapy improved by 40.4% (28.8% pre vs. 69.2% post, P < 0.01). Average time to effective treatment initiation following culture positivity decreased from 57.6 hours to 12 hours in the post-intervention group (P < 0.01). Thirty-day all-cause mortality was similar between the two groups (34.6% 38.4%, P = 0.84). Conclusion Implementation of a comprehensive candidemia care bundle by the ASP significantly improved the use and timing of initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.