The Challenges of Hospital-Acquired and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia and Recent Advancements in Antibiotic Treatment
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. and Shionogi Inc.
Faculty
Radhika S. Polisetty, PharmD, BCPS-AQ ID, BCIDP, AAHIVP
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice
Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy
Downers Grove, Illinois
Clinical Specialist, Infectious Diseases
Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
Winfield, Illinois
Program Description
Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) constitute the most common cause of death among all hospital-acquired gram-negative infections, with mortality rates up to 33%. Complications associated with both HAP and VAP are significant and, when compounded with antimicrobial resistance of gram-negative organisms, create treatment challenges within health systems. Recent antimicrobial developments add to the armamentarium of treatment options for combating multidrug-resistant pathogens, and pharmacists can work with the health care team to ensure appropriate stewardship of these agents. Familiarity with optimal antibiotic drug regimens, doses, duration of therapy, and routes of administration for patients with HAP/VAP are important tactics pharmacists can use to integrate these agents into an institution’s formulary and ensure appropriate use.
Target audience: Pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: November 16, 2020
Expiration date: June 30, 2022
Time to complete activity: 2.5 hours
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Explain the burden of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) along with the associated challenges of antimicrobial resistance on health systems and patient outcomes
- Examine newly approved antibiotic treatments indicated for multidrug-resistant HAP/VAP
- Identify the pharmacist’s role in the management of patients with HAP and VAP and strategies for integrating new agents into an effective antimicrobial stewardship program
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 2.5 contact hours (0.25 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-20-338-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through June 30, 2022.
Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, read the article in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.
Disclosures
Radhika S. Polisetty, PharmD, BCPS-AQ ID, BCIDP, AAHIVP, has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff – Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Rose Namissa, PharmD, BCPS; Brianna Schauer, MBA, PMP; Susan Pordon; and Brianna Winters have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
An anonymous peer reviewer is used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.
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