Reducing Antimicrobial Resistance: Shifting the Paradigm through Antibiotic Stewardship Emphasizing Evidence-Based Practices and Interprofessional Collaboration

Question: Antibiotic use is recognized as the primary selective pressure driving antimicrobial resistance (AR) in the evolution of bacteria and microorganisms. Improving antibiotic use through judicious practice is viewed as one of the most important methods in reducing antibiotic resistance and preserving the ability of antibiotics to fight infection and protect patients. The CDC developed a framework, Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship (AS) Programs, outlining the seven components associated with successful AS programs. Hypothesis: Building successful AS programs require dissemination of information that addresses prescribing antibiotics appropriately, utilizing research-based guidelines and toolkits, and understanding the important role of inter-professional collaboration in achieving optimal outcomes for patients. Educational programs designed to assist healthcare facilities and providers in implementing the elements and guidelines associated with sound antibiotic stewardship programs is needed. Methodology: A comprehensive 2 day conference recorded and provided online focused on successful Antimicrobial Stewardship Program will be provided utilizing the CDC's core elements of Antimicrobial Stewardship programs. The overall aim and learning outcome of the conference is to provide information for improvement of antibiotic prescribing in all settings. Objectives: the attendees of this Continuing education offering will be able to: Describe information on best practices and recommended guidelines surrounding antibiotic prescribing, provide information and guidelines for implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship programs within particular healthcare settings, and plan successful methods for inter-professional collaboration of prescribing providers, organizational leadership, pharmacists, and non-prescribing nursing staff. Results/findings: Post-conference surveys and partnerships with those organizations who collect data will be used for evaluation. A manuscript will be prepared for publication describing the aims of the conference, the conference proceedings, and a summation of post-survey results. Application: Attendees will have the knowledge to develop the strong and efficacious programs to reduce the incidence of antimicrobial resistance.