Antimicrobial stewardship is the practice of using antimicrobials (antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals) only when they are needed. If they are used when they are unnecessary, they have no benefits and can even cause harm. These include antibiotic resistance and side effects (see below for examples). Some side effects, such as C. difficile diarrhea, can be serious and lead to hospitalization.
Washington State Department of Health is committed to supporting antimicrobial stewardship in multiple settings, including:
- Acute Care Facilities
- Dental Settings
- Nursing Homes
- Outpatient Settings
- Veterinary Settings (University of Washington Center for One Health Research)
Annual Reports
Annual reports summarize the AMS team’s initiatives and outcomes for the year. Reports also provide data on stewardship programs and antimicrobial use in the following settings: acute care, long-term care, and outpatient care.
Guidance Documents
- Fast Facts for Clinicians About New Oral Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections (PDF)
- Guidance on Appropriate Use of Penem Antibiotics (PDF)
Additional Resources
Antimicrobial Stewardship:
Antimicrobial Resistance:
- Targeted Multidrug-resistant Organism Prevention and Response Toolkit, DOH
- Targeted Multi-Drug Resistant Organism (MDRO) Data, DOH
- Antimicrobial Resistance, CDC
- Antimicrobial Resistance & Patient Safety Portal, CDC