VA Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) CARRIAGE VAST

Antimicrobial-resistant and healthcare-associated pathogens are a global health threat. The goals of antimicrobial stewardship are to minimize unnecessary and inappropriate antimicrobial use as a means to combat antimicrobial resistance. The interdisciplinary Videoconference Antimicrobial Stewardship Team (VAST) was initially developed and tested as a telehealth teleconferencing training and mentoring program in 2 rural pilot sites, then was extended to 9 rural sites, using telehealth to connect clinicians at a rural VAMC to a geographically distant infectious disease expert. Qualitative interviews showed that participants valued VAST and it improved patient care. This project will expand the VAST to other VAMCs and assess the VASTs' impact on antimicrobial prescribing. This work will directly increase access to antimicrobial stewardship consultation at rural VA facilities, which are often underserved by infectious disease expertise.