Antimicrobial Stewardship as a Collective Imperative: Integrating Multidisciplinary Healthcare Expertise to Mitigate Antimicrobial Resistance
Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) constitutes a critical global health threat, undermining the efficacy of essential medicines and escalating morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Traditional antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs have often been siloed within infectious diseases or pharmacy, overlooking the pivotal contributions of the broader healthcare team.
Aim: This narrative review aims to deconstruct the monolithic concept of AMS, reconceptualising it as an integrative, multidisciplinary "team sport." It seeks to synthesise evidence on the specific roles and responsibilities of diverse healthcare professions—including medical microbiology, laboratory science, nursing, respiratory therapy, dentistry, and midwifery—in a cohesive AMS strategy.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases (2010-2024), focusing on empirical studies, reviews, and guidelines addressing multidisciplinary involvement in AMS.
Results: Effective AMS is predicated on seamless interprofessional collaboration. Key findings delineate profession-specific interventions: laboratory scientists enable rapid diagnostic stewardship; prescribers adhere to evidence-based guidelines; while nursing, allied health, dental, and midwifery professionals ensure optimal specimen collection, timely antimicrobial administration, patient education, and infection prevention. Successful programs are characterised by clear communication channels, shared accountability, and institutional support.
Conclusion: Combating AMR requires a paradigm shift from fragmented, specialist-driven models to embedded, collective ownership of stewardship principles across all healthcare disciplines. Institutional investment in interdisciplinary education, communication infrastructure, and role-specific resources is essential to operationalise this team-based approach.
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References
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2024 Badria Abdulmajeed Al Malki, Mosheera Suliman Almutairi, Eibtesam Bunder Alshammari, Sultan Abdullah Alzahrani, Eshraq Awad Aljohany, Reem Mutlaq Alanzi, Nouf Rabeh Almohammdi, Zahi Foriaan Alanzi, Maryam Mutairan Ghanaem Alharbi Mairuma, Mousa Hasser Humod Masrahi, Norah Batta Al Nutayfat, Fahad Mohammed Saud Alshammari
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