Antimicrobial stewardship programs – why are they needed in health systems especially at this time? The focus of this symposium is to provide an overview of antimicrobial resistance and other consequences of inappropriate antimicrobial use, the goals of antimicrobial stewardship, and elements of an effective antimicrobial stewardship program. The role of the pharmacist in developing and implementing a multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship program in conjunction with infection prevention and control efforts in the institutional setting will be presented. Faculty will discuss how to make the case for a stewardship program and how to build a business plan. Potential barriers to the implementation process of antimicrobial stewardship programs (e.g., a lack of information technology, misperceptions about program goals) and strategies for overcoming such barriers will be presented.
•Describe the relationship between inappropriate antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance, hospital-acquired infections, morbidity, mortality, hospital length of stay, and health care costs.
•List at least three elements of an effective antimicrobial stewardship program.
•Discuss the role of the pharmacist in developing and implementing an effective multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship program.
•Identify several potential barriers to implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs and suggest ways to overcome such barriers.
•Discuss how to make the case and build a business plan to launch an antimicrobial stewardship program
•List at least three elements of an effective antimicrobial stewardship program.
•Discuss the role of the pharmacist in developing and implementing an effective multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship program.
•Identify several potential barriers to implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs and suggest ways to overcome such barriers.
•Discuss how to make the case and build a business plan to launch an antimicrobial stewardship program
2.0 Free CEUs for Pharmacy
Expires 3/1/12