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Updated: May 24, 2026
Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
Antimicrobial stewardship: a collaborative partnership between infection preventionists and health care
Julia Moody1, Sara E Cosgrove, Russell Olmsted
1Workgroup Chair, HCA, Inc., Nashville, TN, USA. Julia.Moody@hcahealthcare.com
Abstract:
It is clear that the widespread and injudicious use of antimicrobials has greatly increased the presence of MDROs that threaten the health of all. There is worldwide acknowledgement that this threat is growing, and that prudent use of antimicrobials combined with infection prevention can prevent harm and improve patient safety. Antimicrobial stewardship programs must harness the talents of all members of the health care team to effectively identify the organism, determine its susceptibility, institute any precautions required, and prescribe the narrowest-acting antibiotic that will destroy it. IPs/HEs play a pivotal role in this approach, by assisting with early organism and infected patient identification, by promoting compliance with standard and transmission-based precautions and other infection prevention strategies such as care bundle practices, hand hygiene, and by educating staff, patients, and visitors.
Insights
The overuse of antimicrobials fuels multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship programs are vital to combat this growing global health threat and improve patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Widespread and injudicious antimicrobial use has significantly increased multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).
- The growing threat of MDROs is a global concern, necessitating improved patient safety measures.
- Prudent antimicrobial use and infection prevention are critical to mitigate harm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the critical role of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) in combating MDROs.
- To highlight the collaborative efforts required within healthcare teams for effective antimicrobial use.
- To underscore the importance of infection preventionists/healthcare epidemiologists (IPs/HEs) in this strategy.
Main Methods:
- Implementing comprehensive antimicrobial stewardship programs.
- Enhancing early identification of organisms and infected patients.
- Promoting adherence to infection prevention strategies, including standard and transmission-based precautions.
- Educating healthcare staff, patients, and visitors on antimicrobial use and infection control.
Main Results:
- Antimicrobial stewardship programs effectively identify organisms and their susceptibilities.
- Precise antibiotic selection, using the narrowest effective agent, is crucial.
- IPs/HEs facilitate early detection and promote compliance with crucial infection control practices.
- Education and adherence to hand hygiene and care bundles improve outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) pose a significant threat requiring a coordinated response.
- Antimicrobial stewardship programs, integrating infection preventionists/healthcare epidemiologists (IPs/HEs), are essential for controlling MDROs.
- Effective strategies involve early identification, appropriate antibiotic prescribing, and robust infection control measures.
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