Antibiotic Time-Out at 72 Hours Inspection

Audit template for reviewing antibiotic therapy at 72 hours to confirm culture review, assess ongoing necessity, support de-escalation, and evaluate IV-to-PO conversion opportunities.

Review Context

• Patient encounter and antibiotic start date/time documented
• Review completed at approximately 72 hours after antibiotic initiation
• Current antibiotic regimen identified
• Indication for antibiotic therapy documented

Culture and Susceptibility Review

• Relevant culture results reviewed
• Susceptibility data reviewed when available
• Culture results support current antibiotic choice
• New microbiology findings communicated to the care team

Necessity and De-escalation

• Ongoing need for antibiotic therapy reassessed
• Clinical response reviewed (e.g., fever, WBC, hemodynamics, symptoms)
• De-escalation considered based on clinical and microbiology data
• Antibiotic discontinued when no longer indicated
• Therapy narrowed to the most targeted appropriate agent

IV-to-PO Conversion Assessment

• IV-to-PO conversion assessed
• Patient clinically stable for oral therapy consideration
• Functional GI tract and oral intake adequate
• Appropriate oral antibiotic option available

Documentation and Follow-Up

• Rationale for antibiotic decision documented in the chart
• Follow-up plan or stop date documented
• Stewardship recommendation communicated to prescriber or care team
• Exceptions or barriers documented