ADLM Southern California Local Section April 2025 Meeting

Course overview

"Contemporary Challenges in the Treatment & Prevention of MRSA and C. difficile" Antibiotics have transformed the practice of medicine. Once lethal infections are readily treatable and making other medical advances, like chemotherapy and organ transplants, possible. Even though prompt antibiotic initiation to treat infections reduces morbidity and saves lives, significant amounts of antibiotics prescribed in acute carehospitals are either unnecessary or suboptimal. Antibiotics have serious adverse effects and patients who are unnecessarily exposed to antibiotics are placed at risk for these adverse events with no benefit. The misuse of antibiotics has also contributed to antibiotic resistance. Optimizing the use of antibiotics is critical to effectively treat infections, protect patients from unnecessary harms, and combat antibiotic resistance. "Advances in Molecular Testing and How To Integrate Into a POC Program" Molecular point-of-care (POC) tests offer rapid turnaround times, relative ease of use, and the convenience of laboratory-grade testing in the absence of formal laboratory spaces and equipment. Additionally, multiplexed molecular POC testing can advance pathogen-specific treatment and the use of narrow-spectrum antibiotics instead of excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. These attributes are appealing options for infectious disease diagnosis in a variety of healthcare settings, including large hospital systems. Implementing standardized POC testing across multiple clinics requires consideration of several logistical and regulatory challenges. By implementing a system-wide standardized respiratory testing solution, UC Health has improved patient satisfaction and standardized care across more than 70 sites.