Core Elements for Implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Korean General Hospitals

Abstract

Currently, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat to global public health. To overcome this crisis, antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) have been proposed. An ASP supports the optimal use of antimicrobials, including appropriate dosing decisions, as well as the duration and routes of administration. In South Korea, efforts are underway to overcome AMR through a national policy supporting ASPs. This study developed the core elements of an ASP for domestic medical facilities. Two Delphi surveys were conducted to select the core elements through expert consensus. The core elements for ASP implementation included leadership commitment, an operating system, action, tracking, reporting, and education. To ensure that these core elements are present in medical facilities, multiple departments must collaborate to support ASP operations. The establishment of a reimbursement system and workforce for ASPs are prerequisites for ASP implementation. The active implementation of core ASP elements in medical facilities requires the provision of financial support for the ASPs, cultivation of a healthcare workforce to perform ASPs, application of the core elements to healthcare accreditation, and provision of incentives to medical facilities via quality evaluation criteria.