Which of the following is NOT a Core Element of Antibiotic Stewardship for Nursing Homes?

The correct choice is based on the core elements that specifically pertain to antibiotic stewardship in nursing homes. Leadership commitment, education and training, and monitoring antibiotic use are integral parts of an effective antibiotic stewardship program.

Leadership commitment ensures that there is a structured approach and sufficient resources allocated towards improving antibiotic use within the facility. Education and training are essential to ensure that all staff members understand the appropriate use of antibiotics and the implications of misuse. Monitoring antibiotic use allows facilities to track adherence to guidelines, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that the stewardship program is functioning effectively.

Research, while certainly valuable to the field of public health and medicine, does not represent a core operational element within the antibiotic stewardship framework specifically for nursing homes. Instead, it is more aligned with broader efforts to gather evidence and develop guidelines, rather than the direct implementation and management of antibiotic practices at the facility level.