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Communicating with Residents and Families About Antibiotics


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Free
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Resident and family requests for antibiotics are a recognized driver of unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in the nursing home setting. The 4-part Communication Strategy is recommended by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) as a method of providing effective communication in situations where an antibiotic is not needed.

About this Independent Study   

This activity was originally released on September 26, 2023 and is available for continuing education credit until September 25, 2025.      

40-75% of antibiotics prescribed in nursing homes are unnecessary or inappropriate.  Research shows that residents of facilities with high antibiotic use have increased risk of harm even if they do not directly receive the agents. 

Nursing staff may assume that a resident wants antibiotics, or they may feel pressured by a resident or their family member to ask for an unnecessary prescription.  This activity is designed to improve communication skills around antibiotic use, which will help avoid inappropriate prescribing.  The activity is based on the CDC’s 4-part Communication Strategy & the CDC Core Elements of Antibiotic Stewardship in Nursing Homes.

Who Should Take This Course

Nurses and Medical assistants who work in long-term care facilities

To Enroll

Select the radio button under the continuing education type that you need, then select the Enroll button above it. These buttons are at the right of the computer screen.

If you need to change your selection, unenroll from one course and enroll in the correct one.

Objectives

After completing this eLearning course, you will be able to:

  •         Identify two examples of good communication practices related to antimicrobial stewardship when working with residents and their families.
  •      Discuss the CDC’s 4-part Communication Strategy when conversing about appropriate antibiotic use with residents and their families.

Continuing Education 

Continuing Nursing Education (CNE)

Cardea Services is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by Montana Nurses Association, an accredited approver with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Upon successful completion of this activity .75 contact hours will be awarded.

Continuing Education for Medical Assistants (AAMA)

This program has been granted prior approval by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) for 1.0 continuing education unit(s). Granting approval in no way constitutes endorsement by the AAMA of the program content or the program provider.

    Registration & Fees

    The eLearning course is free of charge. 

    Disclosures

    There are no relevant financial relationships with ineligible​ companies for those involved with the ability to control​ the content of this activity.​ 

    Acknowledgments

    Special thanks to our reviewers:

    Anieca Ashley, RN, BSN, CIC, LTC-CIP

    Margot Noe, RN, BSN, LTC-CIP

    To request this document in another format, call 1-800-525-0127. Deaf or hard of hearing customers, please call 711 (Washington Relay) or email civil.rights@doh.wa.gov.                    

    Here is the course outline:

    1. Course Introduction & Background

    Resident and family requests for antibiotics are a recognized driver of unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in the nursing home setting. This session reviews the evidence related to these requests, as well as the importance of effective communication. The 4-Part Communication Strategy is introduced as a method of providing effective communication in situations where an antibiotic is not needed.

    2. The 4-Part Communication Strategy

    The 4-Part Communication Strategy is recommended by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) as a method of providing effective communication in situations where an antibiotic is not needed. This session walks through the 4 steps and provides animated examples of each step in practice. Tips to ensure successful use of the framework in specialized situations are also provided.

    3. Applying the 4-Part Communication Strategy Correctly

    This session presents two interactive animated scenarios showcasing what the 4-Part Communication Strategy looks like when all 4 steps are followed. The learner will see the strategy modeled between a nurse and a resident’s family member, as well as between a nurse and a resident.

    4. Applying the 4-Part Communication Strategy Incorrectly

    This session presents two interactive animated scenarios showcasing what the 4-Part Communication Strategy looks like when steps are missed. The learner will see this modeled between a nurse and a resident’s family member, as well as between a nurse and a resident. The learner will then be asked to identify the missed step after each scenario is completed.

    5. Additional Ways to Communicate with Residents and Families & Course Wrap-Up

    This session teaches proactive methods of communicating the importance of antibiotic stewardship with residents and their family members. Implementation strategies to disseminate education are presented, and the takeaways from the course are reviewed. Resources are shared to provide support for ongoing learning and implementation of the module lessons.

    6. Evaluation and Certificate

    Complete a brief evaluation and select your certificate.

    Completion

    The following certificates are awarded when the course is completed:

    Certificate of Completion
    Certified Medical Assistants (CMA)
    CNE Independent Study
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