Introduction to General Practice Principles of Antimicrobial Stewardship

Improving antibiotic use is a medication-safety and patient safety issue.  Research indicates that 30-50% of antibiotics prescribed in hospitals is either not indicated or not appropriate.  Overprescribing and misprescribing is contributing to the growing challenges posed by Clostridiodies difficile infections and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Studies have demonstrated that improved prescribing practices in hospitals can not only help reduce rates of C. difficile infections and antibiotic resistance, but can also improve patient outcomes, all while reducing healthcare costs. Interventions to improve antibiotic use can be implemented in any healthcare setting - from the smallest to the largest.  This site contains resources to build and sustain antimicrobial stewardship programs in a variety of healthcare settings, including long-term care, acute care, and outpatient clinics.