Antimicrobial Stewardship - Public Health and Healthcare Professionals

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Improving the use of antibiotics is an important patient safety and public health issue as well as a national priority. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that healthcare facility based programs dedicated to improving antibiotic use, commonly referred to as "Antibiotic Stewardship Programs (ASP)", can both optimize the treatment of infections and reduce adverse events associated with antibiotic use. 

Seven Core Elements of Antibiotic Stewardship Programs

1. Leadership Commitment: Dedicating necessary human, financial and information technology resources.
2. Accountability: Appointing a single leader responsible for program outcomes.  Experience with successful programs show that a physician leader is effective.
3. Drug Expertise: Appointing a single pharmacist leader responsible for working to improve antibiotic use.
4. Action: Implementing at least one recommended action, such as systemic evaluation of ongoing treatment need after a set period of initial treatment (i.e. “antibiotic time out” after 48 hours).
5. Tracking:  Monitoring antibiotic prescribing and resistance patterns.
6. Reporting: Regular reporting information on antibiotic use and resistance to doctors, nurses and relevant staff.
7. Education: Educating clinicians about resistance and optimal prescribing.