Involving antimicrobial stewardship programs in COVID-19 response efforts: All hands on deck

• Published in: Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology Vol. 41; no. 6; pp. 744 - 745
• Main Authors: Stevens, Michael P, Patel, Payal K, Nori, Priya
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Cambridge University Press 01.06.2020
• Subjects: Antibiotics; Antimicrobial Stewardship - organization & administration; Betacoronavirus; Coronavirus Infections; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Disaster Planning; Disease prevention; Drug stores; Emergency preparedness; Epidemics; Epidemiology; Humans; Infections; Infectious diseases; Letter to the Editor; Pandemics; Pathogens; Patient safety; Planning; Pneumonia, Viral; Prevention programs; SARS-CoV-2; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Supply chains; United States > US
• ISSN: 0899-823X; 1559-6834
• DOI: 10.1017/ice.2020.69

ASPs that are integrated with hospital infection prevention programs have an advantage in response efforts to emerging pathogens in that (1) they are likely to have pre-existing infection prevention skills and experience, (2) they are likely to be involved in response efforts early, and (3) they will have access to and influence with key stakeholders. Because ASPs and infection prevention programs share similar technology infrastructure, data, and metrics, program integration has many advantages.2 Response efforts to novel respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 represent an opportunity for programs to formally integrate, to develop cross-coverage capabilities, and to create shared leadership opportunities. Novel respiratory virus outbreaks associated with secondary bacterial pneumonias and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) provide an opportunity for ASPs to monitor compliance with guideline-concordant therapy; severe COVID-19 cases have been treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics.4 Additionally, ASPs can help in the development of local treatment protocols involving repurposed antivirals; they can monitor and manage drug shortages due to supply chain interruptions5; and they can assist frontline providers with expanded access investigational new drug applications (eINDs) and local institutional review board procedures for investigational agents. The Joint Commission accreditation standard for ASPs includes, when available, an infectious diseases physician, pharmacist, infection preventionist, and other practitioners.6 ASP physician and pharmacy leaders often have specialized infectious diseases training.3 Leveraging these resources for planning and response efforts for emerging pathogens is critical and can strengthen and sustain collaborative relationships.