What is Antimicrobial Stewardship?
Multi-drug resistant organisms are a major global health problem and the correct use of Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) can help tackle this issue.
Antimicrobial Stewardship is a coordinated set of actions put in place to manage the usage of antimicrobials within a healthcare facility to promote appropriate usage and discourage overuse or misuse. In doing so, this can improve patient outcomes and reduce the impact of antimicrobial resistance.
The protocols of an AMS programme can optimise the use of antimicrobials by ensuring they are selected correctly and that they are given for an appropriate amount of time and at a suitable dose. Doing so preserves the effectiveness of the antimicrobials and contributes to a reduction in overall antimicrobial resistance.
By supporting appropriate use of antimicrobials, adverse effects from antimicrobials for patients can be reduced as well as reducing treatment costs.
Stewardship teams within a healthcare setting can help to correctly roll out these protocols and ensure they are maintained.
Do you have AMS protocols in place in your institution? Discuss in the comments below.
Procalcitonin: PCT as a Biomarker for Antimicrobial Stewardship
Procalcitonin: PCT as a Biomarker for Antimicrobial Stewardship
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