Antibiotic stewardship refers to the systematic effort to optimize the use of antimicrobial agents to treat infections effectively, improve patient outcomes, and reduce microbial resistance. In clinical practice, stewardship programs aim to ensure the right antibiotic, at the right dose, for the right duration, and for the right infection.
The global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has made antibiotic stewardship a critical pillar of modern clinical practice. This session will explore how hospitals, clinics, and public health institutions are implementing stewardship strategies to preserve antibiotic efficacy, improve patient safety, and reduce healthcare costs.
Key areas of focus include:
- Principles and components of effective antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs)
- Clinical decision-making frameworks for antimicrobial use
- Role of infectious disease pharmacists and microbiologists
- Diagnostic stewardship and rapid test integration
- Electronic health records and decision support tools
- Challenges in low- and middle-income countries
- Education and behavior change in prescriber practices
- Policy, regulation, and accreditation guidelines (e.g., WHO, CDC, ICMR)
This session will bring together infectious disease clinicians, microbiologists, pharmacists, hospital administrators, and policymakers to share real-world case studies, clinical guidelines, and emerging best practices in stewardship implementation.