Shortage as a catalyst for high‐value care: Evaluation of a blood culture stewardship intervention driven by supply chain disruption

During a culture bottle shortage, diagnostic stewardship interventions significantly decreased the proportion of unnecessary repeat cultures, thereby improving adherence to evidence-based care and reducing cost and environmental impact. After the shortage ended, the gains in stewardship were partially lost. This suggests that beyond improving education, interventions aimed at impressing upon providers the severity of the shortage itself impacted behavior. Future efforts should identify how positive behavior changes can be extended beyond acute crises to promote high-value, environmentally responsible healthcare.