How Can Clinicians Implement Antibiotic Stewardship in Neonates?
Clinicians can implement antibiotic stewardship through several strategies: 1. Appropriate Diagnostic Testing: Use of accurate and timely diagnostic tests to confirm bacterial infections before starting antibiotics. 2. Guideline-Adherent Prescribing: Follow evidence-based guidelines for antibiotic use in neonates. 3. De-escalation of Therapy: Narrowing the spectrum of antibiotics based on culture results to minimize disruption of the microbiome. 4. Duration of Therapy: Limiting the duration of antibiotic therapy to the minimum effective period to reduce exposure.
