American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · Apr 2002
Role of JCAHO standards and clinical practice guidelines in promoting appropriate antimicrobial use.
The role of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) standards and clinical practice guidelines in promoting appropriate antimicrobial use and the development of such standards and guidelines are described. JCAHO is committed to continuously improve the safety and quality of patient care. Reducing antimicrobial resistance in health systems often requires change, something that many health care practitioners are reluctant to embrace. ⋯ JCAHO laboratory standards for clinical practice guidelines and quality control support efforts to reduce inappropriate antimicrobial use. Hospitals have been reluctant to require the use of clinical practice guidelines in JCAHO standards, although guidelines promote appropriate antimicrobial use and reduce antimicrobial resistance. Pharmacists should work with laboratory staff and JCAHO to effect the changes needed to stem antimicrobial resistance.
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Various interventions for reducing antimicrobial resistance are described. Prudent and appropriate use of antimicrobials may help reduce the selective pressure that promotes the emergence of resistance. Limiting antimicrobial use for the promotion of growth in animals may also decrease the potential for transmission of resistant microorganisms to humans through the food supply. ⋯ Vaccinations may reduce antimicrobial resistance indirectly by decreasing the need for antimicrobial therapy. Antimicrobial resistance can be reduced through a combination of interventions. The management of antimicrobial resistance requires a multidisciplinary approach, including participation from physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and infection control and housekeeping staff.