Episode 35: Guidance for the Knowledge and Skills required for Antimicrobial Stewardship Leaders

Antimicrobial stewardship has evolved dramatically over the past decade, driven by expanding regulatory requirements, broader implementation across healthcare settings, advances in diagnostic stewardship, and growing opportunities to leverage technology. As stewardship programs continue to mature, leaders must develop skills in leadership, change management, collaboration, quality improvement, and strategic planning.Dr. Sarah Cosgrove, Dr. Whitney Buckel, and a multidisciplinary group of experts from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS), and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) developed an updated guidance document outlining the knowledge and skills required for antimicrobial stewardship leaders. Building on the original 2014 publication, the guidance provides a framework for stewardship programs across acute care, ambulatory care, and long-term care settings, with competencies spanning basic, intermediate, and advanced levels.In this episode, the authors discuss how antimicrobial stewardship has changed since the original guidance was published, the growing role of diagnostic stewardship and collaboration, and the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence. They also share practical advice for using the guidance to strengthen stewardship programs, build future leaders, and prepare for the next decade of antimicrobial stewardship. Links and Recommendations:Guidance for the Knowledge and Skills required for Antimicrobial Stewardship Leaders: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antimicrobial-stewardship-and-healthcare-epidemiology/article/guidance-for-the-knowledge-and-skills-required-for-antimicrobial-stewardship-leaders-an-update-from-the-society-for-healthcare-epidemiology-of-america-infectious-diseases-society-of-america-pediatric-infectious-diseases-society-and-the-society-of-infectious-diseases-pharmacists/3B710B07D042BDF0A2B3D2090E1B9665