Infections result in significant morbidity and mortality among residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs). The prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant organisms is increasing along with the medical complexity of residents in this setting. However, given the heterogeneity of LTCFs and diversity of residents, the management and prevention of infections and antimicrobial resistance is often not straightforward. In addition, infection prevention methods must be balanced with other clinical goals and the optimization of residents’ functional status, comfort, and quality of life.

This article is part II of a two-part series update on pharmacotherapy, and it focuses on infectious disease, positive Beers criteria, and pharmacist interventions. Part I appeared in the December issue of the Journal and focused on cardiology, neurology, and psychiatry.

Introduction

Ijoined the American Geriatrics Society in the early ‘90s. Since 1992, I’ve chaired the Geriatric Medicine Test Committee that writes the test for the certificate of added qualifications in geriatrics for the American Board of Internal Medicine and American Board of Family Medicine. There were several AGS members on the committee, and I learned about the Society through them. I became interested after hearing about the opportunities for continuing education in geriatrics that AGS provided.

Infectious Diseases Society of America 47th Annual Meeting
October 29-November 1, 2009; Philadelphia, PA

POSTER

Clinical Experience with Daptomycin for the Treatment of Patients with Bacteremic Skin and Skin-Structure Infections