Antimicrobial Stewardship: The Role of Hospitalists and the Emergency Department

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe use of potent broad-spectrum antibiotics has led to the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance andClostridium difficile infections worldwide. Multidrug-resistant infections account for a significant portion of hospital-acquired infections, having a major negative impact on clinical outcomes and healthcare costs.Recent FindingsIt has been reported that a large fraction of antimicrobial use in acute care hospitals is inappropriate or suboptimal. Antimicrobial stewardship promotes the judicious use of antimicrobials to improve patient care, while minimizing unintended consequences such as antibiotic resistance,C. difficile infections, and antibiotic-related toxicities. Core stewardship interventions include formulary restriction, prospective audit with feedback, and antibiotic time-out. Several supplemental strategies are also effective, including education, pharmacy-driven interventions, and early laboratory diagnostics. The transition to electronic medical records has also made stewardship efforts more efficient.SummaryAntimicrobial resistance andclostridium difficile infections have become growing worldwide concerns. Antimicrobial stewardship promotes the judicious use of antimicrobials. The emerging roles of the hospitalist and the emergency department allow broader implementation of stewardship strategies to curb antibiotic resistance and improve patient care.
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research