Deploying novel COVID-19 therapies proved challenging amid rapidly evolving data, drug shortages, and conflicting guidelines. We established a remdesivir formulary restriction remdesivir to promote its evidence-based use. This intervention led to changes in remdesivir utilization patterns and cost savings. Formulary restrictions can play an important role in pandemic preparedness and response.

Coronavirus disease 2019 can be indistinguishable from lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) caused by other viral and bacterial agents. This likely contributed to antimicrobial use (AU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during the pandemic. Our antimicrobial stewardship program targeted the selection and duration of therapy for LRTIs and led to a reduction in AU and AMR.

Broad-spectrum antimicrobials are commonly used without indication and contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We implemented a syndrome-based stewardship intervention in a community hospital that targeted common infectious syndromes and antipseudomonal beta-lactam (APBL) use. Our intervention successfully reduced AMR, C. difficile rates, use of APBLs, and cost.

Overuse of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) can lead to idle central line (CL) days and increased risk for CL-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). We established a midline prioritization initiative at a safety-net community hospital. This initiative led to possible CLABSI avoidance and a decline in PICC use.

Cultures from urinary catheters are often ordered without indication, leading to possible misdiagnosis of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), increasing antimicrobial use, and C difficile. We implemented a diagnostic stewardship intervention for urine cultures from catheters in a community hospital that led to a reduction in cultures and CAUTIs.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disproportionately impacted Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Equitable access to therapeutics is key to addressing health disparities. We established a monoclonal infusion program in the emergency department of a safety-net hospital. Our program successfully reached underserved BIPOC communities and was sustained throughout the pandemic.

We assessed the efficacy of a culturally competent outreach model with promotoras in raising the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) first-dose vaccination rates in Chicago’s at-risk ZIP codes from February through May 2021. Utilizing community members from within target communities may reduce barriers, increase vaccination rates, and enhance COVID-19 prevention.

Background: As the world prepared for and responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, a rapid increase in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) led to severe shortages worldwide. Acquisition of PPE in the general market was an integral part of pandemic response, along with the safeguarding of hospital supplies. We seek to quantify the difference in cost per unit (CPU) of PPE during the first wave of COVID-19 compared to prepandemic prices. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of market prices for PPE during the first surge of the pandemic in Chicago. Cost of PPE was tabulated and compared with prepandemic prices. The maximum cost per unit (CPU) of PPE was tabulated for each week, and the average cost throughout the pandemic was calculated. Disposable gowns, washable gowns, N95 respirators, face masks, and gloves were included in our analysis. Results: PPE prices were significantly higher during the pandemic compared to prepandemic prices (Figure 1). Disposable gown CPU peaked at $12 during the first week of March, 13.7 times higher than prepandemic prices, and the average gown CPU was 7.5 times higher than prepandemic prices. N95 respirators had a peak CPU of $12, and average CPU was 8 times higher than prepandemic prices. Face-mask CPU peaked at $0.55, 11 times higher, and averaged 9 times higher the regular price. Gloves averaged 2.5 times higher than the prepandemic CPU. Conclusions: Market prices for PPE were significantly elevated during the first weeks of the pandemic and remained high throughout the first wave of COVID-19. Multiple factors likely contributed to high prices, including demand shock, disrupted supply chains, and a rush to acquisition by healthcare systems and the general population alike. The impact of COVID-19 on prices highlights the importance of supply chains and national stockpiles for pandemic preparedness.

Funding: No

Disclosures: None

Figure 1.

Background: The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, has caused a pandemic leading to strained healthcare systems worldwide and an unprecedented public health crisis. Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and hypoxia caused by COVID-19 has led to an increase in hospitalizations. We sought to define the impact of COVID-19 on antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in an urban safety-net community hospital. Methods: Retrospective review of antimicrobial use and AMR in a 151-bed urban community hospital. Antimicrobial use was calculated in days of therapy per 1,000 patient days (DOT/1,000 PD) for ceftriaxone, piperacillin-tazobactam and meropenem during 2019 and 2020. Ceftriaxone, piperacillin-tazobactam and meropenem were reviewed for calendar year 2019 and 2020. AMR was assessed by comparing the carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infection incidence rate per 1,000 patient days between 2019 and 2020. Results: The average quarterly DOT/1,000 PD increased from 359.5 in 2019 to 394.25 in 2020, with the highest increase in the second and fourth quarters of 2020, which temporarily correspond to the first and second waves of COVID-19. Ceftriaxone and meropenem use increased during the first and second waves of COVID-19. Piperacillin-tazobactam use increased during the first wave and declined thereafter (Figure 1). Rates of CRE increased from a quarterly average of 0.57 to 0.68 (Figure 2). Conclusions: Antimicrobial pressure increased during the first and second waves of COVID-19. Ceftriaxone was the most commonly used antimicrobial, reflecting internal guidelines and ASP interventions. CRE rates increased during COVID-19. This finding may be due to an overall increase in antimicrobial pressure in the community and in critically ill patients. Antibiotics are a precious resource, and antimicrobial stewardship remains important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Appropriate use of antimicrobials is critical to preventing AMR.

Funding: No

Disclosures: None

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Figure 2.

Background: The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, has caused a pandemic leading to strained healthcare systems worldwide and an unprecedented public health crisis. The hallmark of severe COVID-19 is lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and hypoxia requiring hospitalization. A paucity of data on bacterial coinfection and a lack of therapeutic options for COVID-19 during the first surge of cases has increased pressure on antimicrobial use and has challenged antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). We implemented a multimodal approach to antimicrobial stewardship in an urban safety-net community hospital targeting selection and duration of therapy. Methods: Retrospective review of cases during the first wave of COVID-19 in a 151-bed urban safety-net community hospital from March to June 2020. EMR order sets (Figure 1) and prospective audit and feedback by ASPs targeting empiric antimicrobial selection and duration were implemented as part of the COVID-19 response. Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic information was collected. Data on antimicrobial use were tabulated, including selection and duration of antimicrobials (Figure 1). Results: In total, 302 patients were reviewed, of whom 221 (73%) received empiric antimicrobials. The most commonly used antimicrobials were ceftriaxone and azithromycin (Figure 2). Days of therapy per 1,000 patient days (DOT/1,000 PD) for ceftriaxone increased from 71 in the quarter prior to 113 during the study period. Average duration of therapy was 6 days. In the ICU, average duration was 8 days compared to 5 days in non-ICU settings. Average durations of parenteral therapy were 5.54 days in the ICU and 3.36 days in non-ICU settings. Procalcitonin was obtained in 37 cases (17%) and ranged from 0.09 to 12.57 ng/mL, with an average of 1.21 ng/mL. No cases had documented bacterial coinfection (Figure 1). Conclusions: Antimicrobials were commonly prescribed during the first wave of COVID-19 in a safety-net community hospital. Procalcitonin did not guide therapy nor did lack of documented coinfection change physician behavior. With limited resources, ASP successfully guided clinicians toward IDSA guideline recommendations for selection and duration, as evidenced by antimicrobial use. During this unprecedented surge of LRTIs, a multimodal approach to antimicrobial stewardship was used and guided toward early transition to oral agents and shorter durations.

Funding: No

Disclosures: None

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Figure 2.

Strategies for pandemic preparedness and response are urgently needed for all settings. We describe our experience using inverted classroom methodology (ICM) for COVID-19 pandemic preparedness in a small hospital with limited infection prevention staff. ICM for pandemic preparedness was feasible and contributed to an increase in COVID-19 knowledge and comfort.