Antimicrobial stewardship in solid organ transplantation: Perspective from a Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Abstract

Background The importance of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) activities specifically focused on solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is increasingly recognized. In 2014, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) created national guidance and committed resources to establish AMS programs at Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers across the country. However, the AMS implementation is at the discretion of individual VA centers. Methods We undertook an environmental scan of AMS activities in a tertiary care VA medical center. Results We describe AMS activities focused on SOT recipients. Strategies based on local epidemiology that leverage the electronic medical record together with engagement by transplant infectious diseases personnel are likely to be beneficial. Conclusion AMS in SOT recipients is challenging yet impactful. Strategies described here may be useful for AMS activities focused on the SOT population.