The Need for Enhancing the Antimicrobial Stewardship Practices in Long-Term Care

Abstract

Antimicrobials play a crucial role in various treatments and promoting global health by contributing to and complementing chemotherapy and surgical treatments. However, besides their benefits, antimicrobials also cause consequences for the community due to their side effects/complications and drug resistance. Further, the inappropriate usage of antimicrobials in various healthcare settings in the United States is causing concern and leading federal agencies to develop antimicrobial stewardship initiatives to improve patient safety by optimizing antimicrobial usage and improving clinical outcomes. This article focuses on enhancing antimicrobial stewardship practices in Long-term care settings.