Preventive Antibiotic Use in Nursing Homes: A Not Uncommon Reason for Antibiotic Overprescribing

A substantial portion of “potentially inappropriate” systemic antibiotics in nursing homes are prescribed with the intention of preventing the development of bacterial infections. In the past, such practices were generally considered acceptable; however, they now are being increasingly scrutinized due to concerns about limited benefits and the potential for adverse effects, including contributing to antimicrobial resistance. As a result of these issues and because of the frequency of these practices, unnecessary prophylactic antibiotic use is an appropriate target for antibiotic stewardship practices.