Implementing antimicrobial stewardship in South Africa – how well prepared are pharmacists for their role?

Antimicrobial resistance is a global health crisis that diminishes the therapeutic benefit of antimicrobial agents in the treatment of infections.1,2,3 Since antimicrobial resistance decreases the response of infecting microorganisms to antimicrobial therapy, resistant infections are associated with...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:South Africa Pharmaceutical Journal 2019-12, Vol.86 (5), p.43
Main Authors: Khan, Y, Kritiotis, L, Coetzee, R, McCartney, J, Boschmans, S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antimicrobial agents
Drug resistance
Infections
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Summary:Antimicrobial resistance is a global health crisis that diminishes the therapeutic benefit of antimicrobial agents in the treatment of infections.1,2,3 Since antimicrobial resistance decreases the response of infecting microorganisms to antimicrobial therapy, resistant infections are associated with longer durations of hospital stay and higher mortality rates when compared with antimicrobial-sensitive infections.1,3,4 The rising threat of antimicrobial resistance has emphasised the importance of ensuring appropriate antimicrobial prescribing, through antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) initiatives.1,5 The practice of AMS involves implementation of coordinated strategies which aim to improve the judicious use of antimicrobial agents. Optimisation of antimicrobial prescribing has the following potential healthcare benefits: minimisation of the progression of antimicrobial resistance, improvement in patient therapeutic outcomes, minimisation of adverse effects experienced by patients, and reductions in healthcare costs.3,6,7,8,9,10
ISSN:2221-5875
2220-1017