Evaluation of antimicrobial stewardship (AS) for appropriate use of antimicrobial agents

We implemented an antimicrobial stewardship (AS) program whereby pharmacists sought appropriate use of antimicrobial agents in January 2012. At that time, we targeted anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) agents and carbapenems; however, in January 2014, we added tazobactam/piperacillin (TAZ/PIPC). We evaluated outcomes using multilateral analyses. The average one-day dosage of carbapenems increased; however, the duration of administration and number of recipient patients decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Moreover, the percentage of patients receiving meropenem (MEPM), for whom the time above minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 40% or higher increased (P < 0.01). In contrast, patient utilization of TAZ/PIPC increased significantly after targeting of carbapenems as specific antibacterial agents. However, after TAZ/PIPC was targeted as a specific antibacterial agent, the number of TAZ/PIPC administrations decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The duration of hospitalization and mortality rate in patients receiving specific antibacterial agents significantly decreased after implementation of the AS program (P < 0.01). In conclusion, pharmacist's interventions to provide AS and patient follow-up reduced improper use and promoted proper administration of antibacterial agents. Furthermore, AS was effective in improving patient prognoses and suppressing drug-resistant strains, as well as promoting effective treatment.