PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Antimicrobial resistance continues to be a major public health problem, particularly since the costs associated with it continue to rise.  Antimicrobial resistance is being recognized by policymakers as a major public health issue, and there is widespread concern about drug resistance and the dire need for research and development in the area of antimicrobials.  Healthcare practitioners have addressed the problem by educating themselves and patients on the appropriate use of antibiotics, implementing policies and procedures on appropriate infection control, and finding safe alternatives to antibiotic use in agriculture. Despite these efforts, policymakers now recognize the urgent need to accelerate research and development in this therapeutic area.

The program “Antimicrobial Resistance:  A Critical Safety Issue in Health Systems” will begin with an overview and statistics regarding the problem of antimicrobial resistance, including an overview of CMS actions and new agents and strategies for managing the problem.  Next, the Chair of Pharmacy Practice at the University of California San Francisco will explain his views on why resistance and colonization with resistant bacteria represents an adverse drug event.  The program will conclude with two case studies describing innovative ways to prevent and manage antimicrobial resistance in the healthcare setting and provide practical advice to others so they can implement similar programs in their institutions.