Antimicrobial Stewardship-Level 1

Antimicrobial resistance is driven by the overuse of antimicrobials and inappropriate prescribing. The increase in resistance is making antimicrobial agents less effective and contributing to infections that are hard to treat. Antimicrobial stewardship initiatives aim to improve the prescribing of all agents, whether they target bacterial, viral, fungal, mycobacterium or protozoal infections.

Educating the public and health care professionals in the prudent use of antimicrobials as part of an antimicrobial stewardship program is of paramount importance to preserve these crucial treatments and to help control resistance. Therefore, it is imperative that candidates be equipped with knowledge and skills on antimicrobial stewardship.

1. Demonstrate understanding of Essential Medicines List (EML) concept, how EML is developed, explaining its role in promoting rational use of medicines, including antimicrobials.
2. Explain the importance of Standard Treatment Guidelines and demonstrate the method of developing it, explaining its role in promoting rational use of medicines, including antimicrobials.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees (PTCs) at hospitals and explain its vital role in rational use of antimicrobials.
4. Explain the concept of Hospital formularies and the selection criteria for inclusion of medicines in the hospital formulary depending on different types of health facilities.
5. Illustrate the importance of using international nonproprietary name (INN) or generic names in the EML, STG and hospital formulary