Franciscan Health designated Antimicrobial Center of Excellence

Franciscan Health Olympia Fields has again received the prestigious Infectious Diseases Society of America Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence designation.

The achievement makes the hospital among seven in the state and 177 in the world to hold the distinction. Franciscan Health Dyer and Franciscan Health Munster are also Centers of Excellence. Franciscan Health Olympia Fields first received the recognition in 2021.

The Antimicrobial Stewardship Centers for Excellence Program promotes excellence in antimicrobial use and combating antimicrobial resistance by recognizing hospitals that effectively demonstrate excellence in this work.

“From an infectious disease physician standpoint, we minimize harm to patients by deescalating antibiotics in a timely manner, which also combats resistance and reduces the prevalence of multi-drug resistant organisms,” Shanaz Azad, M.D. FACP, chairperson of Infectious Diseases at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields said.

According to the IDSA, each year, more than 700,000 individuals die due to antimicrobial resistance infections. Antimicrobial resistance refers to microbes’ ability to change and become less susceptible to drugs such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics. This occurs in large part due to the overuse and unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one third of antibiotic prescribing and use is unnecessary. A common misuse is the use of antibiotics for viral infections. Antibiotics are intended to treat bacterial infections and are not effective at treating viral infections. When prescribed for viral infections, antibiotics not only do not combat the virus, but also contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

A Center of Excellence designation signifies an institution has the policies and processes in place to deliver high-quality stewardship services consistently, execute novel stewardship principles and demonstrate a high-level commitment to improving antimicrobial use and reducing resistance.

Dr. Azad praised the pharmacy team at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields for their role in the receiving the designation as well.

“This designation reflects great credit upon the quality of care at Olympia Fields hospital and Dr. Azad’s clinical leadership of our infection disease program,” Franciscan Health Olympia Fields President and CEO Raymond Grady said. “Patients and families who choose to come to us for care can be assured that they are receiving safe and effective care that is at the forefront of quality.”