Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention During The COVID-19 Pandemic in the Acute Settings: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This systematic review investigates Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) interventions before (PP) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (DP) in acute care settings. The review synthesises evidence from 16 primary studies published between 2000 and March 2021, sourced from Medline, Embase, OVID, CINAHL, Scopus, and other databases. The studies were critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). AMS strategies were identified as core and supplemental measures to maintain appropriate antibiotic use and mitigate the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The Public Health England (PHE) toolkit served as the benchmark for AMS interventions. The review highlights that AMS implementation, particularly during the pandemic, effectively supported rational antibiotic use and reduced AMR risks. These findings emphasise the importance of sustained AMS interventions to optimise antibiotic stewardship in acute care hospitals. Future research should further evaluate the impact of AMS measures identified in this review to enhance global efforts against AMR.