Virtual visits for urinary tract infections (UTIs) increased by more than 600% from 2015 to 2022. During this period, the rate of antibiotic dispensation climbed by 227.3% per 1,000 patients, outpacing the 159.8% increase in positive urine cultures. These trends highlight the intersection of virtual visits and antibiotic stewardship. According to Ghanshyam Yadav, MD, of Kaiser Permanente Southern California in San Diego, “the findings of this study underscore the importance of balancing telemedicine’s accessibility with maintaining antibiotic stewardship and highlight the need for updated guidelines.”

In post-acute care, we are already ahead in embracing antibiotic stewardship in our communities. However, it might be a good time to review your current infection prevention practices. Is your infection preventionist relying on clinical criteria or surveillance criteria? Clinical criteria guide decisions for individual residents when care is needed, factoring in resident-specific conditions like indwelling devices or chronic illnesses, even when diagnostic test results are unavailable.

Surveillance criteria, on the other hand, focus on identifying true case events through laboratory testing. This retrospective process helps estimate the actual prevalence or incidence of disease conditions. Both approaches are vital, but at the end of the day, whether a visit is virtual or in person, every resident deserves to be assessed and diagnosed based on approved criteria.

Don’t cut corners—this might be your mom someday!

Stay well and stay informed!