Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of antimicrobial usage: the first step for antimicrobial stewardship

Korean J Intern Med. 2024 May;39(3):383-398. doi: 10.3904/kjim.2023.506. Epub 2024 Apr 30.

Abstract

The identification of antimicrobial use patterns is essential for determining key targets for antimicrobial stewardship interventions and evaluating the effectiveness thereof. Accurately identifying antimicrobial use patterns requires quantitative evaluation, which focuses on measuring the quantity and frequency of antimicrobial use, and qualitative evaluation, which assesses the appropriateness, effectiveness, and potential side effects of antimicrobial prescriptions. This paper summarizes the quantitative and qualitative methods used to evaluate antimicrobials, drawing insights from overseas and domestic cases.

Keywords: Anti-infective agents; Antimicrobial stewardship; Drug resistance; Prescription.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Infective Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antimicrobial Stewardship* / standards
  • Drug Prescriptions
  • Drug Utilization Review
  • Humans
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'* / standards
  • Qualitative Research

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents