Antimicrobial resistance is a significant healthcare concern in this century, marked by the emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. An antimicrobial stewardship program, while an innovative approach to mitigating the global threat of antimicrobial resistance and its effects on public health, is also an absolute need of the hour. When implemented effectively, such a program, in conjunction with selecting the appropriate drug, determining the correct dosage and route of administration, and integrating with an infection control program, has proven to be an effective method for curbing the rapid emergence and transmission of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. Partnerships with nurses to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship programs in healthcare have recently gained recognition, especially in the backdrop of increased antimicrobial resistance in developing countries. Traditionally, stewardship activities have involved only prescribers and pharmacists, but including nurses in these efforts has become increasingly important. Highlights of nurse-driven antimicrobial stewardship activities include effective assessment of allergies, meticulous sampling for blood and urine cultures, antibiotic de-escalation, and 24-hour monitoring of patient status. Antibiotic or general ward rounds provide unique opportunities for nurses to influence the indication and duration of antimicrobial treatment. Including nurses in antimicrobial stewardship programs will make the management of antimicrobial therapy robust and empower healthcare institutions to approach the prevention of AMR with truly multi-disciplinary strategies. Antimicrobial stewardship is often redundant and centered around doctors in tertiary care centers. However, active participation by nurses in both healthcare facilities and community settings is crucial for making Antimicrobial stewardship practice (AMSP) a reality. Scalable nursing involvement in antimicrobial stewardship is essential for developing and developed nations to combat AMR effectively.
Read full abstract