Impact of the sequential implementation of a pharmacy-driven methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal-swab ordering policy and vancomycin 72-hour restriction protocol on standardized antibiotic administration ratio (SAAR) data for antibiotics used for resistant gram-positive infections.

Implementation of a pharmacist-driven MRSA nasal-swab ordering protocol, followed by a 72-hour approval protocol, was associated with a significant reduction in the SAAR for antibiotics used in the treatment of resistant gram-positive infections and a reduction in vancomycin utilization. Leveraging the oversight of primary service clinical pharmacists through these protocols proved to be an effective strategy.