Background: Antibiotic-resistant organisms (AROs) are associated with greater disease severity and poor outcomes. Previous studies have investigated AROs and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) within larger urban acute-care settings, but similar data for rural settings are scarce. In this stud, we aimed to fill this gap. Methods: Data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), additional precautions and HAI were collected from 8 rural Alberta acute-care facilities over a 24-hour period from February 4–28, 2019. Data were gathered as part of the national Canadian, Rural, and Northern Acute Care Point Prevalence (CNAPP) survey. All inpatients on included units were reviewed. CNAPP protocol surveillance definitions were used. Results: In total, 961 patients were surveyed, of whom 94 of 961 (9.8%) were on additional precautions. Contact precautions only were most common (54 of 94, 57.4%) and were predominantly in place for MRSA (30 of 94, 31.9%). Of 961 patients, 100 (~10%) met the surveillance definitions for any infection. The most common infections were skin and soft-tissue infections (29 of 100, 29.0%) and bloodstream infections (28 of 100, 28.0%). An HAI occurred in 30 of 961 patients (3.1%); the most common HAIs were surgical site infections (8 of 30, 26.7%) and urinary tract infections (8 of 30, 26.7%). An antimicrobial was prescribed to 333 of 961 patients (34.6%) at the time of the survey, with ceftriaxone the most commonly prescribed (68 of 333, 20.4%). Most patients receiving an antimicrobial (237 of 333, 71.2%) did not meet the surveillance definition for any infection. The most common reason for any antimicrobial administration was empiric therapy (167 of 333, 50.1%). Conclusions: Investigations into antimicrobial use and the burden of HAIs in rural acute-care settings have been limited. In this study, we (1) established provincial baseline data for burden of disease in these facilities due to HAIs and (2) demonstrated that antimicrobial use is common, though most patients who were prescribed an antimicrobial did not meet study definitions for infection. It will be important to continue this type of surveillance in this understudied population to monitor the burden of HAIs over time, to establish antimicrobial utilization trends, and to continue to identify potential antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None