How to Pitch an Antibiotic Stewardship Program to the Hospital C-Suite

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Increasing societal and regulatory emphasis on antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs).
• Mandatory implementation of ASPs is becoming a requirement for hospitals.
• Infectious Diseases (ID) specialists play a crucial role in developing and executing ASPs.

Approach:

• This article outlines essential cost and revenue components for ASP business plans.
• It details how hospital leadership evaluates the value and ROI of proposed ASPs.
• Understanding hospital financial models is key to creating a successful business case.

Key Points:

• Business plans must justify ASP costs, structure, and anticipated hospital benefits.
• Effective plans require a thorough understanding of hospital financial structures.
• ID specialists need to present a compelling case for ASP investment.

Conclusions:

• Successful ASP implementation hinges on robust business planning and financial justification.
• ID specialists are pivotal in advocating for and establishing essential ASPs.
• Financial viability and demonstrated value are critical for securing leadership buy-in for ASPs.