Mountain State Times

The West Virginia Department of Health's Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services (OEPS) has announced the launch of the MEDALS Project, an initiative aimed at promoting antibiotic stewardship in nursing homes across the state. The project was inaugurated with a webinar presentation during a meeting with the West Virginia Healthcare Association, marking the start of efforts to improve infection prevention standards.

Designed to recognize and reward nursing homes that demonstrate exemplary efforts in infection prevention, the MEDALS Project will continue with a presentation scheduled for the Quality Insights nursing home meeting in August. This phase underscores West Virginia's commitment to fostering best practices and ensuring high standards of care for vulnerable populations.

"The MEDALS Project represents a crucial step forward in safeguarding the health and well-being of our nursing home residents," said Sec. Sherri Young, DO, MBA, FAAFP. "By promoting initiatives that emphasize infection prevention and responsible antibiotic use, we aim to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the threat of antibiotic resistance."

Nursing homes participating in the MEDALS Project will be evaluated based on specific criteria across various levels of achievement, highlighting their dedication to implementing effective strategies for infection control and antibiotic stewardship. This structured approach encourages continuous improvement and sets a benchmark for excellence within the healthcare community.

For more information about the MEDALS Project, including eligibility criteria and participation details, visit https://oeps.wv.gov/au/Pages/medals.aspx.

The application link is available here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzhoS9Zycd_DQjBr_7s7TjB9n6vEl8y2Plfz-k65P2NS1UmQ/viewform

The West Virginia Department of Health encourages all nursing homes to engage actively with the MEDALS Project and embrace its principles of patient safety and quality care. Through collaborative efforts and shared commitment, West Virginia aims to advance antibiotic stewardship practices and ensure long-term health for its nursing home residents.