11.25.2019

CDC Updates its Guidance on Antibiotic Stewardship Programs

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released the latest iteration of Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs – the guidance document that helps hospitals implement such programs.
 
While antibiotics have advanced medical treatment dramatically, optimizing their use is necessary to combat antibiotic resistance and to protect patients from unnecessary use. In 2014, CDC called on all hospitals in the United States to implement antibiotic stewardship programs and released the first version of the Core Elements document.
 
The latest version stresses hospital leadership commitment to the antibiotic program; calls for the appointment of a leader or co-leader to be accountable for the program; suggests that a pharmacist within the hospital be part of the program’s leadership; and outlines steps to implement, track, and report the program, as well as providing continuing education for caregivers on antibiotic use and misuse.