What are the Core Strategies of Antimicrobial Stewardship?

Several core strategies form the foundation of effective antimicrobial stewardship programs:

Education and Training: Continuous education of healthcare providers about the principles of antimicrobial use and resistance is essential.
Guideline Implementation: Developing and enforcing clinical guidelines for the appropriate use of antimicrobials based on the latest evidence.
Formulary Restrictions: Limiting the use of certain high-risk antimicrobials to reduce the emergence of resistance.
Antimicrobial Review: Regularly reviewing antimicrobial prescriptions to ensure they are still needed and appropriate.
Diagnostic Stewardship: Promoting the use of accurate and timely diagnostic tests to guide appropriate antimicrobial therapy.