Antimicrobial Stewardship Program: A Holistic Approach to Responsible Antimicrobial Use

Description

Page: 48-53

Kuldeep Kumar¹, Tarunima Singh Parihar², Ketki Kedar Joshi³, Murali Chakravarthy⁴, Aarti Gupta⁵, and Yogita Singh⁶ (Fortis CSR Foundation (Clinical Research Division) and Fortis Healthcare Limited^1,2,3, Fortis Hospitals Limited, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore⁴, and Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon^5,6)

Antimicrobial resistance represents a significant and growing global health challenge, with India facing a disproportionately high burden due to widespread antimicrobial misuse. In 2019, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was attributed to 33% of sepsis-related deaths in the country, underscoring the urgent need for robust antimicrobial stewardship programs(AMS). These initiatives aim to optimize antimicrobial utilization, improve patient outcomes, and limit the spread of resistant infections. Key program components include institutional support, targeted education, evidence-based prescribing policies, and comprehensive monitoring of antimicrobial usage patterns. By integrating multidisciplinary approaches and continuous program evaluation, AMS initiatives can effectively address the AMR crisis, enhance clinical outcomes, and preserve the long-term effectiveness of antimicrobial agents.