Josh Watson

Husband of Ali. Father of three. Pediatric Infectious Diseases specialist & director of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program @nationwidekids.

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

@NCHforDocs Great work @PedsPharmD!

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

@febrilepodcast @tara_vijayan @ID_fellows @UCLA_ID @glavaidguy @PAdamsonMD @docDavar @glen_huang @infectiousRamee @ChrisOlivoF @uclaimchiefs @dgsomucla @febrilepodcast is my new favorite podcast. @swinndong, these are so well done and a great educational tool!

[Febrile @febrilepodcast]

🚨New episode alert!

🫀Join guest @tara_vijayan for “Arts & Grafts”!

🎙️Subscribe anywhere podcasts are found https://t.co/m7SE7YTa34

💜Share with friends, let us know what you think!

#IDTwitter #IDMedEd #MedTwitter #PedsID #MedPeds @ID_fellows @UCLA_ID

[UTI Global Alliance @GlobalUti]

The date is set! Join us on April 28 at 5 pm EDT for the next UTI Hour where we will learn about new treatments and preventatives under development. @alfmireles @dhunstad17 @HultgrenLab @bwtrautner @harry_mobley @ChughtaiMD @Katy_Patras @scotthultgren1

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

@robertdaulton @TheBCRP @CincyMedicine @UCHealthNews Congrats Robbie! Proud of you, friend!

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

@NCHforFellows Superman!

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

@pediacast Agree. We are definitely seeing fewer hospitalized patients requiring antibiotics over the past few months. There's also some ongoing research to assess this very question.

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

A9. I've really enjoyed working with colleagues in other specialties to find the low-hanging fruit and implement quality improvement projects. For example, in our urgent cares we made a small change to the protocol for getting strep swab (i.e. NOT for viral symptoms) #PedsMedChat

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

@pediacast A8. Some simple questions can help. Remember that penicillin allergy is NOT inherited. If a person has taken the same drug again without reaction, they are NOT allergic. If in doubt, refer to an allergist - it's so important to clarify if it's a true allergy! #PedsMedChat

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

A8. Reported penicillin allergy leads to use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (that aren't optimal for the infection), which cause more adverse effects and lower quality of life.
#PedsMedChat
https://t.co/yNLTHm7uYj

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

A7. Here's an article from @NCHforDocs about some work we did to reduce unnecessary abx use for UTI in the urgent cares. If the culture is negative, stop the antibiotic!
https://t.co/xNHNepHeYm
#PedsMedChat

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

A7. Opportunities abound across healthcare. One particular opportunity I like to highlight is duration of therapy - growing evidence for multiple infections that shorter courses are preferable. Check out @BradSpellberg and his work with "shorter is better." #PedsMedChat

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

A6. I think time is one major challenge. There's a lot of work to do! It's one thing to have an ASP. It's another to build a program that impacts antimicrobial use (and ultimately improves care) in a significant way. #PedsMedChat

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

A5. Loaded question! There's some debate about process metrics (antibiotic use) vs outcome metrics. Days of antimicrobial therapy per 1000 patient days is the most common metric used in pediatric ASP. #PedsMedChat

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

@614Sr We're so blessed to have @614Sr on our team!

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

Q4. At @nationwidekids, we have a core stewardship team of an ID physician program director, pharmacist lead, quality improvement specialist, and additional help from our chief of epidemiology, director of microbiology, and other ID and pharmacy leadership. It's an AWESOME team!

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

@pediacast A3. Agree with @pediacast! Patients and caregivers can ask questions like, "Will an antibiotic really help me (my child) get better?" and "What's the shortest treatment course that will be helpful?" and "What side effects should I watch for?"

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

A3. EVERYONE!
This week we visited nurses around the hospital to discuss the important role they play in stewarding antibiotics: ensuring meds are given at scheduled times; encouraging IV to PO conversion when ready; asking questions about duration of treatment
#PedsMedChat

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

A2. We know from previous studies that upper respiratory infections are a very common reason for antibiotic use, and unfortunately one of the most common reasons for inappropriate use. #PedsMedChat

Check out this article from @CDCgov
https://t.co/nflyVPTJj6

[Josh Watson @WatsonJoshuaR]

A1. Antibiotics are an amazing tool to treat infections, but overuse leads to adverse effects and development of resistance among germs. If we don't use antibiotic wisely, they become less effective over time. #PedsMedChat