Essential hospitals, sometimes referred to as “safety net hospitals,” play a vital role in improving access to quality healthcare in communities across the United States. Combating antimicrobial resistance, through implementing antimicrobial stewardship practices, is an important component of protecting patient safety which can save time, money, and lives. As conveners and chief health strategists in their communities, local health departments (LHDs) can be a valuable partner in supporting the adoption of antimicrobial stewardship practices in these and other settings.
This webinar showcased a partnership between Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center (LAC+USC) and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Speakers discussed how the partnership was established and maintained, how it has improved stewardship efforts, challenges and lessons learned, and recommendations for other local health departments and essential hospitals interested in pursuing a similar partnership.
- Understand the role of essential hospitals in eliminating antimicrobial-resistant infections;
- Identify the role of local health departments in promoting antimicrobial stewardship;
- Explain how a local health department and essential hospital partnered to promote antimicrobial stewardship; and
- Discuss how other local health departments and essential hospitals may explore similar collaborations.
