Which of the following strategies supports environmental efforts in ASPs?

Promoting proper disposal of antibiotics is a strategy that directly supports environmental efforts within Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs). This practice helps to mitigate the risk of environmental contamination that can occur when unused or expired antibiotics are improperly disposed of, such as being thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet. Such actions can lead to the release of pharmaceutical agents into the ecosystem, which can harm wildlife and contribute to antimicrobial resistance in the environment.

Proper disposal methods, which may include take-back programs or specific disposal instructions, encourage patients and healthcare providers to manage antibiotic waste responsibly. By ensuring that these medications do not enter water systems or landfills, ASPs can play a crucial role in protecting environmental health, which is an integral part of a holistic approach to combating antimicrobial resistance.

The other strategies listed do not contribute positively to environmental efforts. For instance, increasing prescriptions of antibiotics could lead to further accumulation of these substances in the environment. Encouraging long-term antibiotic use and reducing awareness about drug interactions could compromise patient safety and antibiotic stewardship principles, further exacerbating issues related to resistance and environmental impact.