The role of the clinical pharmacist in antimicrobial stewardship in Asia: A review

• Published in: Antimicrobial stewardship & healthcare epidemiology : ASHE Vol. 2; no. 1; p. e176
• Main Authors: Jantarathaneewat, Kittiya, Camins, Bernard, Apisarnthanarak, Anucha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge Cambridge University Press 01-01-2022
• Subjects: Allergies; Antibiotics; Antimicrobial agents; Careers; Disease control; Infectious diseases; Intervention; Length of stay; Mortality; Pathogens; Patients; Pharmacists; Prescriptions; Review; Roles; Staphylococcus infections; Streptococcus infections; Asia; Japan
• ISSN: 2732-494X; 2732-494X
• DOI: 10.1017/ash.2022.310

Clinical pharmacist-driven antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) have been successfully implemented. Although relevant guidance and several studies suggest that clinical pharmacists be integrated into the current ASP team model, barriers still exist in Asia, primarily due to lack of dedicated personnel and lack of career advancement. We review the effectiveness and the ideal role of clinical pharmacist among ASPs in Asia. Several studies conducted in Asia have shown the effectiveness of pharmacist-led ASP interventions in hospitals and other healthcare settings. However, opportunities to expand the role of clinical pharmacists in ASPs in Asia exist in the implementation of rapid diagnostic test and drug allergies.