Expanding Existing Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Pediatrics: What Comes Next

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The number of pediatric antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) in US acute care facilities is rising.
• Evidence supporting effective stewardship practices and regulatory focus on ASPs have grown.
• Established pediatric ASPs face evolving challenges and opportunities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review strategies for established hospital-based pediatric ASPs to adapt and advance.
• To discuss methods for reporting standardized metrics and expanding program reach.
• To explore novel stewardship initiatives and the integration of rapid diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current practices and evidence in pediatric antimicrobial stewardship.
• Analysis of approaches for adapting and expanding established ASPs.
• Examination of strategies for implementing standardized metrics and novel initiatives.

Main Results:

• Established pediatric ASPs can enhance their impact by adopting standardized metrics.
• Expanding stewardship efforts to specialized pediatric populations is feasible and beneficial.
• Incorporating novel initiatives and rapid diagnostics can further optimize antimicrobial use.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric ASPs are crucial for improving antimicrobial use and patient outcomes.
• Continuous adaptation, including embracing new metrics and technologies, is key for pediatric ASP evolution.
• Further research and implementation of advanced stewardship strategies are warranted.