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Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
The pharmacist's role in promoting optimal antimicrobial use
L M Dickerson1, A G Mainous, P J Carek
1Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29406, USA.
Pharmacotherapy
|June 15, 2000
Summary
Reducing outpatient antibiotic prescriptions is key to combating antibiotic resistance. Healthcare teams, including pharmacists, must collaborate to optimize antimicrobial use and preserve drug effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Escalating antibiotic resistance necessitates optimal antimicrobial use across healthcare.
- Hospital antibiotic restriction policies impact microbial susceptibility, but outpatient reductions are more significant for resistance control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical need for reduced antibiotic prescribing in outpatient settings.
- To explore strategies for altering antibiotic prescribing behaviors among clinicians and patients.
- To emphasize the role of pharmacists in antimicrobial stewardship.
Main Methods:
- Review of strategies influencing antibiotic prescribing in research settings.
- Discussion of provider education, clinical guidelines, audit and feedback, and multifaceted interventions.
- Emphasis on collaborative efforts within healthcare teams.
Main Results:
- Outpatient antibiotic prescription reduction is crucial for impacting antibiotic resistance.
- Provider education, guidelines, and feedback can alter prescribing patterns.
- Patient perception of antibiotic necessity also needs modification.
Conclusions:
- Coordinated efforts among healthcare teams are essential for sustaining antibiotic effectiveness.
- Minimizing the threat of antibiotic resistance requires changes in both prescribing and patient expectations.
- Pharmacists are vital in clinician education and clinical services for antimicrobial stewardship.
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