SIDP and ASHP Publish Position Statement on “The Essential Role of Pharmacists in Antimicrobial Stewardship”

According to the World Health Organization, the rapid increase in antibiotic resistance combined with a decline in the development of new antibiotics is a global crisis. Antimicrobial stewardship is therefore critical, and an article published in the July 2016 edition of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology discusses the essential role pharmacists play in this stewardship in accordance with guidelines released by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA). The article was written on behalf of the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), and has been endorsed by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) and the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP).

SIDP Political Advocacy Committee Chair Emily Heil notes “with the recent release of the new IDSA/SHEA Antibiotic Stewardship guidelines, this statement provides support for the essential role that pharmacists play in antimicrobial stewardship. We were pleased to partner with ASHP on this effort with the endorsement of ACCP and SHEA.”

“This statement reiterates the importance that pharmacists have in the conduct of antimicrobial stewardship programs in concert with our infectious diseases physician colleagues,” said SIDP President Jason Gallagher. “Successful antimicrobial stewardship programs require a team approach, and pharmacists are key to their success.”

Founded in 1990, the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) is an association of pharmacists and allied healthcare professionals dedicated to promoting the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents. For more information, visit http://www.sidp.org.

Contact:
Stephanie Bulak, Associate Executive Director
Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists
Phone: (512) 328-8632
info@sidp.org