Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs

Resource Location: https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/core-elements/hospital.html#anchor_1573765130706

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Optimizing the use of antibiotics is critical to effectively treat infections, protect patients from harms caused by unnecessary antibiotic use, and combat antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic stewardship programs can help clinicians improve clinical outcomes and minimize harms by improving antibiotic prescribing. The Core Elements are intended to be an adaptable framework that hospitals can use to guide efforts to improve antibiotic prescribing. The assessment tool that accompanies this document can help hospitals identify gaps to address.