What is a primary goal of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs)?

The primary goal of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) is to optimize antibiotic prescribing to improve patient outcomes. This focus on optimization involves ensuring that the right antibiotic is used at the right dose and for the appropriate duration, which helps to effectively treat infections while minimizing the potential for adverse effects and the development of antibiotic resistance.

Optimizing antibiotic use not only enhances patient safety but also contributes to the overall effectiveness of antibiotic therapies, ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate treatment for their conditions. By achieving better treatment outcomes, ASPs help to preserve the efficacy of existing antibiotics, which is a critical aspect in combating the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings.

The other choices do not align with the fundamental purpose of ASPs. Increasing the use of all antibiotics does not consider patient needs and could lead to increased resistance. Eliminating the use of antibiotics completely is impractical and would compromise the ability to treat serious infections. Likewise, discouraging prescribing does not address the need for proper treatment; rather, it undermines the effort to provide effective patient care.