The Role of Antimicrobial Stewardship

Antimicrobial stewardship is crucial in managing infections, especially in patients with poor prognoses. It emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to understand the limitations and potential harm caused by antibiotics in the face of incurable diseases. Discussions around the appropriateness of antibiotic treatment should begin early, ideally before the patient reaches multiple hospital admissions, to foster better communication and trust between care teams and patients. By addressing the complexity of infections in the context of an underlying disease, healthcare teams can guide patients through the treatment process more effectively.