Reducing Length of Stay in Complex Infections: The Long and Short of It_Online

This enduring material course will explore innovative strategies to optimize antimicrobial therapy and support earlier hospital discharge for patients with complex infections. Participants will review common antimicrobial-related barriers to discharge, examine the role of stewardship and transitions-of-care interventions through the POSITIVE Program, evaluate emerging evidence for long-acting antimicrobial therapies such as dalbavancin and rezafungin, and discuss how oral therapies, shorter treatment durations, and long-acting agents can be incorporated into patient-centered discharge planning.

This activity will enhance pharmacists' ability to collaborate with infectious diseases providers, hospitalists, case managers, nurses, and transitions-of-care teams to identify antimicrobial-related barriers to discharge and recommend evidence-based treatment alternatives. Improved pharmacist involvement in discharge planning can support more efficient transitions of care, reduce avoidable hospital length of stay, and promote safe, patient-centered management of complex infections.

Target Audience

This online activity is designed for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Describe common antimicrobial-related barriers that contribute to prolonged hospitalization among patients with complex infections.
  • Explain how the POSITIVE Program leverages antimicrobial stewardship and transitions-of-care interventions to reduce hospital length of stay and facilitate discharge.
  • Evaluate the evidence supporting long-acting antimicrobial therapies, including dalbavancin and rezafungin, as alternatives to traditional outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT).
  • Incorporate oral therapy, shorter treatment durations, and long-acting antimicrobials into patient-centered discharge planning when clinically appropriate.

Course summary

Available credit: 
  • 1.00 ACPE Pharmacy
    The UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a Provider of continuing pharmacy education.
  • 1.00 ACPE Technician
    The UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a Provider of continuing pharmacy education.
Course opens: 
11/10/2026
Course expires: 
11/10/2029

Course Directors:

  • Cory Hale, PharmD, BCIDP - Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Infectious Diseases, UPMC System Pharmacy
  • Lindsey Stramara, PharmD, BCPPS - Senior Pediatric Clinical Pharmacist Specialist - Critical Care & General Pediatrics, UPMC Harrisburg Hospital  
  • Ryan Rivosecchi, PharmD, BCCCP -  Clinical Specialist Pharmacist, Cardiothoracic Intensive Care, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital  

Planning Committee:

  • Lindsey Stramara, PharmD, BCPPS - Senior Pediatric Clinical Pharmacist Specialist - Critical Care & General Pediatrics, UPMC Harrisburg Hospital  
  • Ryan Rivosecchi, PharmD, BCCCP -  Clinical Specialist Pharmacist, Cardiothoracic Intensive Care, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital  

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE:

No planners, members of the planning committee, speakers, presenters, authors, content reviewers and/or anyone else in a position to control the content of this education activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

The information presented at this CME program represents the views and opinions of the individual presenters, and does not constitute the opinion or endorsement of, or promotion by, the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences, UPMC / University of Pittsburgh Medical Center or Affiliates and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.  Reasonable efforts have been taken intending for educational subject matter to be presented in a balanced, unbiased fashion and in compliance with regulatory requirements. However, each program attendee must always use his/her own personal and professional judgment when considering further application of this information, particularly as it may relate to patient diagnostic or treatment decisions including, without limitation, FDA-approved uses and any off-label uses.


In support of improving patient care, the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Pharmacy (CPE)
This knowledge-based activity provides 1.0 contact hours of continuing pharmacy education credit.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 ACPE Pharmacy
    The UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a Provider of continuing pharmacy education.
  • 1.00 ACPE Technician
    The UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a Provider of continuing pharmacy education.
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