In 2021, primary care physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners accounted for over 100 million outpatient antibiotic prescriptions. Alarmingly, an estimated 28% of these prescriptions were inappropriate, translating to around 30 million dispensed by pharmacists. Such figures underscore the crucial need for effective antibiotic management in the healthcare setting.

This course delves into the judicious use of outpatient antibiotics, emphasizing evidence-based medicine and clinical guidelines, particularly for respiratory, urinary, and skin/soft tissue infections. By examining each organ system in detail, the course contrasts the American College of Physicians’ guidelines with the latest recommendations from the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Highlighting the most appropriate antibiotics for specific infections ensures both prescribers and pharmacy personnel are well-equipped to make informed decisions, fostering a more robust antibiotic stewardship across healthcare.

At the conclusion of this continuing education activity, the participant will be able to:

1. Cite common outpatient infections for which antibiotics are often prescribed
2. Discuss evidence-based antibiotic selections for each common infection
3. Implement best practice recommendations for common outpatient infections as outlined by the American College of Physicians

AchieveCE is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. AchieveCE is also accredited by the Florida Board of Pharmacy (provider no. 50-20641).

AchieveCE is designated as an Approved PACE Program Provider by the Academy of General Dentistry. The formal continuing education programs of this program provider are accepted by the AGD for Fellowship/Mastership and membership maintenance credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial board of dentistry or AGD endorsement. The current term of approval extends from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2025. Provider ID# 386503.

AchieveCE is an approved provider of nursing continuing professional development by the Georgia Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

AchieveCE is also an approved provider by various state boards. Find the complete list here.

Tim Brown, PharmD, BCACP, FASHP is the Director of Interprofessional Education for the University of Georgia’s College of Pharmacy and Professor in Pharmacology and Toxicology for Augusta University Medical College of Georgia and UGA Partnership. He received his doctorate from Campbell University School of Pharmacy and completed residency training at the Medical College of Virginia.

This activity was developed by AchieveCE free of any commercial support.

Tim Brown, PharmD, BCACP, FASHP, faculty for this educational event, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose. Pete Kreckel, RPh, planner for this activity, also has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  Level 2. Basic Application of Skills and Concepts