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Published on: August 30, 2018

Antimicrobial stewardship programs in pediatrics

Adam L Hersh1, Susan E Beekmann, Philip M Polgreen

  • 1University of California, San Francisco, California, USA. hershad@peds.ucsf.edu

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|October 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are uncommon in pediatric settings, with many existing programs lacking key features. Limited resources are the main barrier to implementing effective ASPs in children's hospitals.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Healthcare Management

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global threat.
  • Effective antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are crucial for combating resistance and improving patient outcomes.
  • Pediatric ASPs are essential but their implementation and characteristics are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and characteristics of pediatric antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs).
  • To identify barriers to the implementation and improvement of pediatric ASPs.
  • To understand pediatric infectious disease consultants' perceptions of antimicrobial resistance.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was distributed to pediatric infectious disease consultants in the Emerging Infections Network across North America in December 2008.
  • Participants provided data on the existence, planning, characteristics, and barriers of their hospital's ASP.
  • Respondents also shared their views on antimicrobial resistance at local and national levels.

Main Results:

  • Only 33% of surveyed pediatric infectious disease consultants reported having an ASP; 18% were planning one.
  • Most existing ASPs were established before 2000, had limited staff, and rarely used prospective audit-and-feedback.
  • Lack of resources (funding, time, personnel) was the primary barrier, cited by over 50% of respondents.

Conclusions:

  • The adoption of antimicrobial stewardship programs in pediatric healthcare settings is limited.
  • Current pediatric ASPs often lack essential components and face significant resource-related challenges.
  • There is a clear need for improved implementation and support for pediatric ASPs to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Abstract

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