What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to evaluate the impact of Antibiotic Time-Out rounds on clinical outcomes and antibiotic prescribing.

January 14, 2026Open Access

Impact of Antibiotic Time-Out Rounds on Academic Internal Medicine Services

Key Points

The aim is to evaluate the impact of Antibiotic Time-Out rounds on clinical outcomes and antibiotic prescribing.
Implemented Antibiotic Time-Out initiative across an academic internal medicine service.
Patients on antimicrobials were discussed with an Infectious Disease team for recommendations.
Recommendations included clarifying diagnoses, changing antibiotics, and adjusting treatment duration.
Of 393 patients, 446 recommendations were made, with 83.2% implemented within 48 hours.
De-escalation from risky antibiotics was achieved in 43.9% of cases.
Overall trends showed reduced need for de-escalation and improved antibiotic prescribing practices.

Abstract

Abstract Background Research indicates various antimicrobial stewardship (ASP) strategies have been effective within medical residency programs1,2. Involving internal medicine (IM) residents in ASP is essential for optimizing antibiotics, reducing resistance, and improving patient outcomes. We introduced Antibiotic Time-Out (ATO) in our academic IM service to promote clinical outcomes and positively influence prescribing habits. Table 1Figure 1:De-Escalate/Escalate Intervention Over Time Methods The ATO initiative (May 2023-May 2024) aimed to discuss all patients on antimicrobials not already followed by the Infectious Disease (ID) consult service. Patients were presented to an ID physician and pharmacist, who made recommendations such as clarifying diagnoses, performing additional workup, changing antibiotics, adjusting the route or duration, or obtaining formal ID consultation if applicable. Patients were reviewed retrospectively to determine if the recommended change was made within 48 hours.Figure 2:IV to PO Intervention Over TimeFigure 3:Modify Duration Intervention Over Time Results A review of 393 patients resulted in 446 recommendations, the most common of which included de-escalation/escalation (31.3%, n=123), stop therapy (21.4%, n=84), and modify duration (31.6%, n=124). Overall, 83.2% of recommendations were implemented within 48 hours. Of the 123 patients where spectrum modifications were recommended, 43.9% (n=54) resulted in de-escalation from high-risk C. difficile (CDI) antibiotics, 52.8% (n=65) led to the elimination of anti-Pseudomonal therapy, and 66.6% (n=82) resulted in increased use of a narrow-spectrum β -lactam. Indication specific results can be found in Table 1. In addition, we observed improved trends in clinical practice over time such as reduced need for de-escalation, stepdown to oral therapy, and duration modification. This suggests ATO enhances resident education leading to improved antimicrobial prescribing practices. See Figures 1-3. Conclusion The ATO produced meaningful clinical outcomes of decreased use of anti-Pseudomonal and high CDI risk agents, and increased utilization of narrow spectrum β-lactams. The ATO also enhanced educational experiences and improved residents' understanding of ASP principles. This has led to fewer recommendations over time and improvements in empiric antibiotic choices, use of oral therapy, and treatment duration. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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