Antimicrobial stewardship: the role of the nurse
David Ladenheim Antimicrobial pharmacist, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
Denise Rosembert Clinical pharmacist, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Carole Hallam Assistant director of infection prevention and control, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
Christianne Micallef Strategic lead pharmacist – antimicrobials, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Infections caused by organisms resistant to multiple drugs are associated with morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospital stay and increased costs. Since antibiotic use is the main factor in the development of resistance, it is hoped that the judicious use of antibiotics will reduce the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. This article addresses antibiotic misuse in the inpatient setting and outlines the role of the nurse in optimising antibiotic therapy through antimicrobial stewardship.
Nursing Standard.
28, 6, 46-49.
doi: 10.7748/ns2013.10.28.6.46.e7802
Peer review
This article has been subject to double blind peer review
Received: 22 April 2013
Accepted: 29 July 2013
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