Antibiotic Stewardship
As a part of our ongoing quality improvement (QI) projects, we are practicing antibiotic stewardship. Our study focuses on sore throats and antibiotics use. In order to treat patients most effectively, our medical staff are prescribing antibiotics only as necessary to reduce antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria no longer respond to the drugs designed to kill them. Anytime antibiotics are used, they can cause antibiotic resistance.
95% of respiratory infections are caused by viruses, and may also include sore throat, sinus congestion and pressure, cough, and cold symptoms. Antibiotics DO NOT work to treat viral infections and using them increases the risk of resistance. QI at Health Services is an effort to continuously improve the quality of the work we do. We review our work and compare it to nationally recognized best practices, targets, or goals, to best meet the needs of our students/patients.
ADHD Stimulant Medication Protocol for UMD Health Services
UMD Health Services and its medical providers are available to write prescriptions for patients using stimulant medications (Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, Vyvanse, Focalin, etc.) for the treatment of ADHD.
However, the following conditions must be met before a prescription will be written:
- The student requesting stimulant medication must provide records of comprehensive psychological testing for ADHD within the last 5 years. Self report questionnaires or symptom rating tools will not be considered sufficient. If the student has not had psychological testing done or if it has been longer than 5 years since testing was performed, testing must be completed or updated and results sent to UMD Health Services. UMD Health Services can provide a list of clinics in the Duluth area which perform comprehensive psychological testing and we can assist in making appointments for such testing as well as verifying insurance coverage. Comprehensive testing may also be arranged in the student’s home town or city.
- Once testing has been completed, results need to be reviewed by the medical provider who will be seeing the patient at a scheduled appointment. If the testing strongly suggests or confirms the diagnosis of ADHD, discussion regarding starting or continuing a stimulant medication can be held with the patient including UMD Health Services use of a controlled substance contract for these medications.
Consideration of this protocol will help students avoid a lapse in their treatment if they are currently being treated by their local primary care provider. If students have never been evaluated for ADHD but suspect they may have symptoms consistent with the condition, an appointment is encouraged with a UMD Health Services Counseling Provider to discuss symptoms, to create a diagnostic and assessment plan, and to refer for psychological testing if appropriate.
Proper Disposal of Medications
Please review the following links for how to properly dispose of medications, and for information about local medication disposal sites.
Western Lakes Sewer and Sanitation District, Duluth, MN
Local Police Stations, brochure
City of Superior, Wisconsin
Walgreens stores have medication disposal boxes.