The pharmacist's role in promoting optimal antimicrobial use

Optimal use of antimicrobials is essential in the face of escalating antibi otic resistance, and requires cooperation from all sectors of the health ca re system. Although antibiotic-restriction policies in the hospital setting are important in altering microbial susceptibility patterns, an overall re duction in antibiotic prescriptions in the outpatient setting is more likel y to significantly impact antibiotic resistance. Education of providers, ap plication of clinical practice guidelines, audit and feedback activities, a nd multifaceted interventions all have had an effect in altering antibiotic prescribing in a research setting. Clinicians must alter antibiotic prescr ibing for the treatment of infectious diseases, and patients must change th eir perception of the need for these drugs. Pharmacists can play a major ro le through clinician education and focused clinical services. With cooperat ion of health care teams, the effectiveness of available antibiotics may be sustained and the threat of resistance minimized.