CME Credits: 1.25

Type: Oral

Summary: In the absence of the development of new antimicrobial agents to treat infections caused by emerging multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), antimicrobial stewardship is a vital weapon in the war against resistance. The IDSA/SHEA Guidelines for Developing an Institutional Program to Enhance Antimicrobial Stewardship were published in January 2007. Adoption and dissemination of the guidelines have been slow throughout the US, but have been most challenging in community hospitals and other nonacademic settings. This session will provide practical advice for establishing ASPs in these locations. The speakers will also discuss development of business plans and reimbursement strategies to help make this undertaking an economically viable option for physicians in private practice