Core elements of hospital antibiotic stewardship programs

The creation and expanded use of antibiotics has allowed for the successful treatment of routine infections and safer surgical procedures. However, there has also been overuse and, in some cases, misuse of antibiotics. This has led to the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections, making antibiotics less and less effective.

Earlier this year, the White House convened a special forum on antibiotic stewardship attended by more than 150 healthcare organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The Joint Commission, and announced increased efforts to promote effective antibiotic stewardship within healthcare facilities.

This is an excerpt from an article in the monthly training resource Briefings on The Joint Commission. To read more, visit here to log in or subscribe.