Which aspect is part of the core principles of antibiotic stewardship?

The core principles of antibiotic stewardship emphasize the responsible use of antibiotics to improve patient outcomes, reduce resistance, and enhance the quality of healthcare. Evaluating antimicrobial drug use practices is crucial to these principles because it allows healthcare providers to assess the appropriateness of prescribed antibiotics, monitor for resistance patterns, and identify opportunities for improvement. This evaluation helps ensure that antibiotics are used only when necessary and in the correct dosages and durations, thereby minimizing the risk of resistance development and optimizing patient care.

In contrast, intense marketing of antibiotics would conflict with the stewardship principles, as it may promote unnecessary prescribing. Encouraging non-compliance with treatment undermines patient health and can foster resistance. Similarly, the expansion of antibiotic classes does not align with stewardship goals; instead, effective stewardship focuses on using existing antibiotics judiciously before resorting to new or broader-spectrum agents.