Approximately half of hospitalized adults in the US receive antibiotics, with pneumonia and urinary tract infection (UTI) being the 2 most frequent indications. Estimates suggest about 30% of all antibiotics prescribed in US hospitals are either unnecessary or suboptimal, and extended-spectrum antibiotic use is common. Unnecessary antibiotic use contributes to numerous harms, including drug-related adverse effects, increased risk of drug resistance, and higher costs.
