Which aspect is most important in evaluating the success of an antimicrobial stewardship program?

The most important aspect in evaluating the success of an antimicrobial stewardship program is the reduction of inappropriate antibiotic use. This focus is critical because inappropriate use of antibiotics is a primary driver of antibiotic resistance, which poses a significant threat to public health. By effectively managing and guiding the prescribing practices of healthcare providers, an antimicrobial stewardship program aims to ensure that patients only receive antibiotics when necessary, and that the right drug, dose, and duration are selected.

This reduction can lead to improved patient outcomes, fewer adverse effects, and lower overall healthcare costs in the long term, as it decreases the likelihood of resistance and the need for more complex treatments. Monitoring the appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions is essential in assessing whether the program is fulfilling its primary goal of optimizing antibiotic use.

In contrast, increased healthcare costs, the variety of antibiotics available, and higher volumes of antibiotic prescriptions do not inherently indicate a successful program. For example, higher costs might arise from unnecessary antibiotic usage, while increasing the variety of antibiotics isn't beneficial if they are not used judiciously. Similarly, mere volume of prescriptions does not correlate with appropriate use and can contribute to the problem of antibiotic resistance. Thus, the reduction of inappropriate antibiotic use remains the cornerstone of a successful stewardship effort.