What is the main purpose of antimicrobial stewardship?

The main purpose of antimicrobial stewardship is to maximize successful treatment outcomes. This involves ensuring that patients receive the most effective antibiotic therapy while also minimizing the risk of adverse events and reducing the development of antimicrobial resistance. Effective stewardship programs focus on promoting the appropriate use of antimicrobials, which includes selecting the right drug, at the right dose, for the right duration, and for the right infection.

Maximizing successful treatment outcomes is crucial for both individual patient care and public health. Through careful monitoring and guidelines, stewardship aims to improve clinical outcomes in patients, reduce complications from antibiotic use, and ultimately enhance the overall effectiveness of antimicrobial agents.

Other choices, such as increasing the use of antibiotics, providing unlimited access to antimicrobials, or preventing all microbial infections, do not align with the principles of antimicrobial stewardship. In fact, stewardship advocates for judicious use of antibiotics to avoid overuse and misuse, thereby reducing the potential for resistance and ensuring that these vital medications remain effective for future generations.