A call to action for antimicrobial stewardship in the emergency department: approaches and strategies

Ann Emerg Med. 2013 Jul;62(1):69-77.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2012.09.002. Epub 2012 Nov 2.

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is a mounting public health concern. Emergency departments (EDs) represent a particularly important setting for addressing inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing practices, given the frequent use of antibiotics in this setting that sits at the interface of the community and the hospital. This article outlines the importance of antimicrobial stewardship in the ED setting and provides practical recommendations drawn from existing evidence for the application of various strategies and tools that could be implemented in the ED including advancement of clinical guidelines, clinical decision support systems, rapid diagnostics, and expansion of ED pharmacist programs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Communicable Diseases / drug therapy
  • Communicable Diseases / microbiology
  • Cross Infection / drug therapy
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial*
  • Drug Utilization / standards
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / standards*
  • Female
  • Guideline Adherence*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Quality Control
  • United States

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents