In the context of infection control, what is an “antimicrobial stewardship program”?

An antimicrobial stewardship program is designed to optimize the use of antimicrobials, which includes antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals. The primary goal of such a program is to ensure the right drug is prescribed at the right dose for the right duration to effectively treat infections while minimizing the development of antimicrobial resistance. This is accomplished through strategies that promote appropriate prescribing patterns, monitor usage, and educate healthcare professionals and patients about the responsible use of antimicrobials.

The focus on optimizing rather than increasing the use of antimicrobials helps safeguard patient health and the effectiveness of these critical drugs for future generations. This approach ultimately contributes to better clinical outcomes, reduced side effects, and lower health care costs by preventing drug-resistant infections.

In contrast, increasing the use of all antibiotics would likely exacerbate issues with resistance and is not aligned with the goals of stewardship. Tracking all antimicrobial prescriptions is a component of stewardship programs but does not capture the full scope of optimizing antimicrobial use. Encouraging the use of traditional medicine, while relevant in some contexts, does not directly relate to the concept of optimizing antimicrobial therapies.