What is one of the primary goals of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program?

One of the primary goals of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program is to decrease the overall use of antibiotics in healthcare facilities. This objective is crucial because excessive antibiotic use is a significant contributor to the development of antimicrobial resistance, which poses a major public health threat. By promoting the appropriate use of antibiotics, stewardship programs help ensure that these critical medications remain effective for treating infections.

Reducing antibiotic use does not mean eliminating necessary treatments; rather, it focuses on optimizing therapy by ensuring that antibiotics are prescribed only when truly needed and that the correct drug, dose, and duration are chosen for each patient. This balanced approach helps preserve the effectiveness of existing antibiotics while also decreasing the risk of side effects and adverse outcomes associated with unnecessary antibiotic exposure.

In contrast, increasing the variety of available antibiotics, ensuring every patient receives antibiotics, or eliminating their use altogether does not align with the primary objectives of antimicrobial stewardship, which centers on responsible and judicious use to combat resistance and improve patient outcomes.