Overview of the participation of nurses in antimicrobial stewardship activities

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is a planetary threat demanding maximum attention from health and social care services worldwide due to the clinical, economic, and human costs. Interventions to address resistance—antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs—are multipronged and require the close collaboration of all health care workers involved in antimicrobial decisions and use. Nurses have traditionally been absent from such engagement. This Commentary highlights existing evidence of the need for, and impact of, nursing involvement and leadership in AMS. In addition, four barriers (ie, foundational, ownership, education, and leadership) to the increased involvement of nurses in AMS are discussed, with implications and potential solutions.