Implementing an antimicrobial stewardship programme

Implementing an antimicrobial stewardship programme in an institution can be challenging. This chapter describes the process of the implementation of the programme—planning, doing, studying, acting. Planning involves understanding the institution’s environment, developing a case and gaining clinical and management support, creating a governance framework, and assembling the the right team. The nature and composition of the antimicrobial stewardship team is explored in detail. Doings means getting started—the importance of ‘quick wins’ that can be achieved to ensure acceptance and the importance of communication and a vision are covered. Studying means measuring and assessing the impact of the programme. Acting involves modifying and expanding the programme. Obstacles to successful implementation are discussed. Finally the chapter touches on the importance of entrenching the gains of the programme.