Table 1.

Core Principles of Antimicrobial Prescribing

Prescribe the correct antimicrobial promptly at the correct dose for the correct duration based on local and national treatment guidelines. Order appropriate microbiologic and other diagnostic testing. Document the dose, duration, and indication for all antimicrobial prescriptions. Conduct periodic review, or antimicrobial “time-out” (eg, ≥48 hours), of antimicrobial prescription(s) and diagnostic studies, with goal of streamlining to most appropriate choice and transitioning any intravenous antimicrobials to oral. Remain aware of local antimicrobial resistance patterns.

Adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs. 2014. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/healthcare/implementation/core-elements.html. Accessed 26 January 2015.