Antibiotic Stewardship (ABS)
There is an alarming worldwide increase in antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The Charité has therefore implemented an Antibiotic Stewardship (ABS) Team led by ID specialists. The focus of this ABS team is to reduce the development of resistant pathogens, to minimize side effects caused by anti-infectives, and to preserve the effectiveness of existing anti-infectives.
Infectious diseases consultations are available throughout Charité regarding optimal anti-infective treatment. Our ABS Experts provide regular teaching sessions for interested colleagues from within and/or from outside the Charité.
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What is Antibiotic Stewardship?
Antibiotic Stewardship (ABS) uses various strategies to promote the responsible use of antibiotics. The goal of ABS is to preserve future effectiveness of antibiotics by preventing the development of more resistance in pathogens, and thus safeguarding public health and optimal treatment options.
ABS consultation entails the formulation of personalized recommendations for the confirmation of a bacterial infection, the precise selection of the most suitable anti-infective agent, as well as the adjustment of anti-infective parameters regarding duration, dosage, and administration, as well as possible drug interactions with concurrent medications.
Antibiotic Stewardship at Charité
The ABS team at Charité consists of ID specialists, physicians from other clinical specialties with a focus on infectious diseases, as well as of pharmacists, microbiologists, and of hospital hygienists.
ABS advisory services include:
- Weekly infectious disease consultations for anti-infective therapy advice throughout Charité on both intensive care units and on general wards.
- Implementation of coherent anti-infective therapy principles.
- Securing optimal quality of anti-infective treatment regarding selection, dosage, administration, as well as duration of treatment.
- Attempting to prevent development of antimicrobial resistance, and favorable influence on reducing respective costs and consumption trends.
- Creation of clinic-specific anti-infective guidelines.
Antibiotic Stewardship Courses and Events
The Department of Infectious Diseases and Intensive Care Medicine organizes ABS courses twice a year. Events on various infectious disease topics are also held on a regular basis. The following link will take you to the current dates: Events of the Infectious Diseases and Pneumology Department (in German only).