Which technology can assist with the data collection and monitoring of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program?

Electronic health records (EHRs) play a pivotal role in supporting Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs by enabling efficient data collection and monitoring. EHRs allow healthcare providers to systematically capture patient-specific information, including antibiotic prescriptions, laboratory results, and clinical outcomes. This capability facilitates the continuous tracking of antibiotic usage patterns and resistance trends within a healthcare institution.

Furthermore, EHRs can integrate clinical decision support tools that alert prescribers about potential drug interactions and recommend appropriate antibiotic therapy based on local susceptibility data. This real-time access to comprehensive patient data streamlines the identification of patients who might benefit from antimicrobial stewardship interventions and aids in conducting audits to measure the program’s effectiveness.

In contrast, manual chart reviews can be time-consuming and prone to human error, which limits their efficacy. Printed reports may provide useful information, but they lack the interactive and real-time capabilities of EHRs. Similarly, relying on fax communications can result in delays and is less efficient in ensuring that all relevant departments have immediate access to the same data. Overall, the use of EHRs is integral to the effective operation of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs, promoting better patient outcomes and aiding in the fight against antibiotic resistance.