Health System and Tele-Antimicrobial Stewardship The Role of Building Networks

Telehealth can expand antimicrobial stewardship by forging connections between ID trained specialists and other health care professionals that overcome distance and need for colocation. Tele-ASPs can optimize the use of specialist FTE which depending on the size of the institutions involved may not require a full-time pharmacist or physician dedicated solely to ID and antimicrobial stewardship.3 In addition to expanding the reach of ID specialists into institutions and geographic locales at a distance, tele-ASPs can expand the ID and ASP workforce itself through mentorship. This leverages relationships that already exist within hospitals, which are the key to building a strong and effective ASP.35,43 Of note, although antimicrobial stewardship networks are enhanced by personal connection over time, they are also undermined by staff turnover because of the breaks and restarts in building personal connection. This is especially concerning with increasing reports of burnout and individuals leaving health care fields.49 The approach to building networks using telehealth solutions must be approached with an eye toward sustainability of the workforce and realistic expectations of the reach of an individual steward. Network building requires significant time and effort that is not yet clearly quantified. Measurement of the network is the key to facilitating a realistic understanding of the impact the ASP and the individuals who comprise the program and to ensuring sustainability.