Evaluation of Antibiotic Prescribing Practices at an Outpatient Behavioral Health Center

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

3-6-2026

Publication Title

Am J Health Syst Pharm

Keywords

Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Abstract

Purpose: Outpatient settings account for nearly 60% of antibiotic use in the U.S., with about 30% considered unnecessary. Behavioral health centers face unique diagnostic challenges—such as communication barriers, atypical presentations, and psychiatric comorbidities— that may drive inappropriate prescribing. The Joint Commission antimicrobial stewardship standard requires programs to track and evaluate adherence to at least one evidence-based prescribing guideline as part of ongoing performance improvement. This study seeks to meet that requirement by characterizing antibiotic prescribing practices at an outpatient behavioral health center, focusing on antibiotic selection and duration by indication to identify opportunities for targeted stewardship interventions. Methods: This protocol has been submitted for Institutional Review Board approval. Using the electronic medical record, we will identify patients ≥18 years old prescribed an oral antibiotic at Maple Grove Behavioral Health Center between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Exclusions include prescriptions for surgical prophylaxis, non-oral antibiotic therapy, and treatment for multiple concurrent infections. A convenience sample of all eligible patients will be analyzed. The primary outcome is frequency of prescribing by indication. Secondary outcomes include antibiotic selection, duration of therapy, and overall concordance with evidence-based guidelines. Data collected will include demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, BMI), vital signs, psychiatric comorbidities, antibiotic indication, selection, dose, and duration. Laboratory results (e.g., urinalysis) will be extracted when available. Provider documentation will be reviewed to confirm indication. All data will be collected confidentially without patient identifiers. Prescribing will be evaluated for compliance with institutional guidelines or national guidelines when internal standards are unavailable. Descriptive statistics will summarize prescribing patterns and guideline adherence, providing a framework for targeted outpatient stewardship interventions

Volume

83

First Page

S805

Find It @ Sladen

Share

COinS