The role of nurses in antimicrobial stewardship

Abstract

Introduction: The threat of antibiotic-resistant infections demands urgent attention from health and social care services worldwide because of its significant clinical, economic, human, and environmental costs. The efforts implemented to combat these infections, known as antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs, require a multifaceted approach and close collaboration among all health and social care professionals involved in decisions about the use of antimicrobials. Historically, nurses have largely been absent from such initiatives, which represents a missed opportunity to profit from the most abundant workforce cadre to strengthen existing and future AMS initiatives. This chapter explores existing evidence supporting the need and impact of nursing engagement and leadership in AMS, discussing four key obstacles to increased nursing participation in AMS: fundamental issues, ownership concerns, educational gaps, and leadership challenges. This chapter also includes potential solutions and implications for addressing these barriers.