Introduction:
Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) are structured healthcare initiatives designed to promote the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents, improve patient outcomes, reduce microbial resistance, and decrease the spread of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. With the rising global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), healthcare systems increasingly rely on stewardship programs to ensure antibiotics and other antimicrobials are used responsibly. This course introduces the basic principles of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs, highlighting the role of pharmacists, physicians, and healthcare teams in optimizing antimicrobial therapy, monitoring antibiotic use, and implementing evidence-based treatment practices in both hospital and community healthcare settings.

Scope:
The scope of Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Basics includes understanding antimicrobial resistance patterns, rational prescribing of antibiotics, selection of appropriate antimicrobial therapy, dose optimization, and duration of treatment. The course also covers stewardship strategies such as formulary management, antimicrobial guidelines, infection control measures, surveillance of antibiotic use, and monitoring treatment outcomes. It emphasizes collaborative healthcare approaches, documentation practices, and the pharmacist’s role in supporting antimicrobial stewardship initiatives to improve patient safety and public health.

Objectives:

• To introduce the principles and importance of antimicrobial stewardship in healthcare.
• To understand the causes and consequences of antimicrobial resistance.
• To develop knowledge of rational antimicrobial prescribing and therapy optimization.
• To enhance awareness of monitoring antibiotic use and evaluating treatment outcomes.
• To strengthen the role of pharmacists in antimicrobial stewardship and infection control programs.

Who Can Enroll:

• Pharmacy students (D.Pharm, B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Pharm.D).
• Hospital and clinical pharmacists involved in antimicrobial therapy management.
• Pharmacy graduates preparing for competitive or professional pharmacy examinations such as GPAT or international licensure exams.
• Healthcare professionals interested in antimicrobial resistance control and rational antibiotic use.