Timing & Adequacy of Antimicrobial Therapy in the Critically Ill

Faculty

Aaron M. Cook, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Specialist-Neurosurgery/Critical Care
UK Healthcare
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pharmacy
University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy

Needs Statement

Inadequate initial coverage of infections in ICU patients is associated with an increase in mortality. Prolonged time to initiation of antimicrobial therapy is also associated with increased mortality. Numerous factors exist which may hinder the most optimal care. Practitioners should be aware of the literature regarding this issue and engage in strategies to increase efficiency by which ICU patients receive antimicrobials for acute infections.

Target Audience

Physicians and Pharmacists involved in the treatment of critically ill patients.

Objectives

1. Recommend effective empiric coverage of common infections encountered in critically ill patients;
2. Explain the importance of timing of antibiotics in treating infections in critically ill patients;
3. Discuss strategies to increase the efficiency of providing antimicrobials to ICU patients.

Accreditation

Medicine
The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent in the educational activity.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.

Pharmacy
The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy is approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity has been assigned ACPE # 022-000-08-013-H01-P and will award 1.00 contact hours (0.1 CEUs) of continuing pharmacy education credit in states that recognize ACPE providers. Statements of credit will indicate hours and CEUs based on successful completion of a posttest (score 70% or higher) and will be issued upon completion of the activity. The college complies with the Criteria for Quality for continuing education programming.

Faculty Disclosure

Dr. Cook has received research support from Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals.