Antimicrobial Stewardship in Wound Care: Measurement of Implementation and Outcomes
Summary: This scoping review of 80 studies (95% surgical wounds) evaluates antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in wound care, showing 67% de-escalation of use, 46% duration reduction, and no mortality increases. Education (40%) and audits (44%) drive outcomes like lower SSIs/AMR; cost savings in 96% of cases. Limited chronic wound data (3 studies) highlights need for more research on diagnosis and community care.
Key Highlights:
- AMS Interventions: De-escalation 67%; dosage changes 25%; education/audits 40-44%.
- Outcomes: Reduced SSIs/AMR; 96% cost savings; shorter stays.
- Safety: No negative mortality/readmission effects.
- Gaps: Only 3 chronic wound studies; challenges in infection diagnosis.
- Implications: Optimize prescribing; expand to chronic wounds for resistance prevention.
Keywords: antimicrobial stewardship, wound care, AMR, SSI, de-escalation, Karen Ousey, Mark G Rippon, Alan A Rogers