Elementor #8171

Introduction

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) have emerged as a crucial component in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This resistance has been identified as a significant global health threat by the World Health Organization [1]. The goal of ASPs is to optimize antibiotic use in healthcare settings, thereby improving patient outcomes, reducing microbial resistance, and decreasing the spread of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms [2].

Role of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs

ASPs aim to ensure the appropriate use of antimicrobials by promoting the selection of the optimal antimicrobial drug regimen, dose, duration of therapy, and route of administration [3]. ASPs help reduce inappropriate antimicrobial use, which is a leading contributor to the emergence of resistant bacteria [4].

Impact on Patient Care

ASPs have proven their effectiveness in improving patient outcomes. Studies have shown that implementing ASPs can reduce inappropriate antimicrobial use, decrease the incidence of antimicrobial resistance, lower healthcare costs, and improve patient outcomes [5].

Barriers to Implementation

While the benefits of ASPs are evident, several barriers hinder their implementation, including a lack of knowledge and awareness about antimicrobial resistance, insufficient resources, and inadequate diagnostic facilities [6].

Conclusion

Antimicrobial stewardship is a critical tool in curbing the global health issue of antimicrobial resistance. It is crucial to address the barriers to implementing these programs to ensure their success. Further research should focus on creating effective strategies and tools to facilitate the adoption and integration of ASPs into healthcare settings worldwide.

References

1. World Health Organization. Antimicrobial resistance: global report on surveillance. World Health Organization; 2014.

2. Dellit TH, Owens RC, McGowan JE Jr, Gerding DN, Weinstein RA, Burke JP, Huskins WC, et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America; Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America guidelines for developing an institutional program to enhance antimicrobial stewardship. Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Jan 15;44(2):159-77. doi: 10.1086/510393. Epub 2006 Dec 13. PMID: 17173212.

3. Dyar OJ, Huttner B, Schouten J, Pulcini C; ESGAP (ESCMID Study Group for Antimicrobial stewardshiP). What is antimicrobial stewardship? Clin Microbiol Infect. 2017 Nov;23(11):793-798. doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2017.08.026. Epub 2017 Sep 4. PMID: 28882725.

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; 2019.

5. Baur D, Gladstone BP, Burkert F, Carrara E, Foschi F, Döbele S, Tacconelli E. Effect of antibiotic stewardship on the incidence of infection and colonisation with antibiotic-resistant bacteria and Clostridium difficile infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Infect Dis. 2017;17(9):990-1001.

6. Pulcini C, Binda F, Lamkang AS, et al. Developing core elements and checklist items for global hospital antimicrobial stewardship programmes: a consensus approach. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2019;25(1):20-25.