The New Precision Stewards?

Area of Science:

• Public Health and Infectious Diseases
• Bioethics and Health Policy
• Genomics and Precision Medicine

Background:

• The precision health era offers new strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• Current "precision stewardship" efforts leverage molecular advances like rapid diagnostics and real-time surveillance.
• AMR's causes span molecular to global policy levels, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify research gaps and propose an agenda for the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of precision stewardship.
• To explore the parallels between ELSI research in human genetics and the emerging needs in AMR.
• To foster collaboration for future stewardship teams by defining a distinct ELSI agenda for precision stewardship.

Main Methods:

• Gap analysis of existing research on the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• Review of accomplishments in U.S. national investment in ELSI research, particularly concerning human genetics.
• Overview of distinct ELSI topics pertinent to AMR and precision stewardship.

Main Results:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents complex ethical, legal, and social implications that require dedicated study.
• Existing ELSI research frameworks, particularly from human genetics, can inform the development of an AMR-focused ELSI agenda.
• A defined field for "the ELSI of precision stewardship" is needed to address the multifaceted nature of AMR.

Conclusions:

• The rise of AMR necessitates a parallel field of study focusing on its ethical, legal, and social dimensions.
• Establishing "the ELSI of precision stewardship" will enhance collaborative efforts and strengthen future stewardship teams.
• Integrating ELSI considerations into precision stewardship strategies is crucial for effectively combating antimicrobial resistance.