What defines a "stop/start" strategy in antimicrobial therapy?

The "stop/start" strategy in antimicrobial therapy refers to a method focusing on the discontinuation of unnecessary antibiotics while simultaneously optimizing the treatment with the appropriate antimicrobial agents. This approach brings significant benefits by reducing the risk of developing antibiotic resistance, minimizing potential side effects, and ensuring that patients receive the most effective therapy tailored to their specific infection.

By stopping antibiotics that are deemed unnecessary—such as those that may have been prescribed while awaiting identification of a specific pathogen or those that may not target the identified organism—clinicians can then start or continue with the most appropriate antimicrobial treatment. This strategy emphasizes stewardship principles by promoting judicious use of antibiotics based on the best available evidence, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.