Strengthening Healthcare Providers’ Capacity on Empirical Antibiotic Treatments to Optimize Antimicrobial Use in Intensive Care Units  

Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are highly susceptible to acquiring antimicrobial-resistant infections. This susceptibility is heightened by the intensity of treatments, the use of invasive devices, and a greater risk of exposure to antibiotics. Contributing factors include inconsistent adherence to clinical guidelines and increased risk of infection. With a limited pipeline of new antimicrobial drugs, the establishment of an antimicrobial stewardship program is critical. Such a program is vital for preventing the escalation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), curtailing costs, shortening hospital stays, and maintaining or enhancing patient health outcomes.