The Emerging Role of Telehealth in Antimicrobial Stewardship: A Systematic Review and Perspective.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The purpose of this article is to critically evaluate the available literature on telehealth and antimicrobial stewardship.

Recent findings: There is limited evidence regarding the role of telehealth within the discipline of antimicrobial stewardship. A review of the available literature suggests remote antimicrobial stewardship programs conducted via telehealth can decrease antimicrobial consumption. A direct comparison between traditional antimicrobial stewardship programs and remote antimicrobial stewardship programs is lacking.

Summary: Telehealth is a promising tool for expanding antimicrobial stewardship, especially in small rural or community hospitals. Trust, team, and technology, the three Ts of remote antimicrobial stewardship derived from themes within the available literature, can serve as a framework for developing a remote antimicrobial stewardship program.