Antimicrobial stewardship: Integrating laboratory diagnostics, nursing interventions, and pharmacological strategies
Keywords:
Antimicrobial stewardship, antimicrobial resistance, diagnostics, nursing interventions, pharmacology, patient safetyAbstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global health threat, compromising treatment efficacy and increasing healthcare costs. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs optimize antimicrobial use, requiring a multidisciplinary approach involving laboratory diagnostics, nursing interventions, and pharmacological strategies. Aim: This paper explores how integrating these components enhances AMS effectiveness in combating resistance and improving patient outcomes. Methods: A narrative review synthesizing evidence from clinical trials, case studies, and guidelines was conducted. The roles of diagnostic technologies, nursing initiatives, and pharmacological strategies in AMS were analyzed. Results: Laboratory diagnostics enable precise and timely pathogen identification, improving antimicrobial targeting. Nursing interventions enhance adherence to AMS protocols through education, infection prevention, and monitoring. Pharmacological strategies, including de-escalation and targeted therapies, reduce inappropriate antimicrobial use. Together, these elements lower resistance rates, hospital infections, and healthcare costs. Conclusion: Integrating diagnostics, nursing, and pharmacology strengthens AMS programs, optimizing antimicrobial use and reducing AMR. Future studies should assess cost-effectiveness and scalability of multidisciplinary AMS models.
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