Funding agency: International Society of Infectious Diseases/Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Objective

The study aimed to generate robust evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) in tertiary care facilities across India, addressing the growing public health threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

Methodology

A multi-methods research design was employed, including a systematic review and complementary analytical approaches, to evaluate clinical outcomes, antimicrobial use patterns, and economic implications of ASP implementation.

Key Findings

The study demonstrated that ASPs significantly improve rational antimicrobial use, reduce inappropriate prescribing, and minimize the spread of resistant pathogens. Economic evaluations confirmed that ASPs are highly cost-effective, making them essential interventions for strengthening patient outcomes and ensuring public health safety in resource-limited settings.