How ASPs Can Make a Difference
There are many ways that ASP involvement can help with emergency preparedness, particularly related to new and emerging pathogens. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, critically ill patients often received broad-spectrum antibiotics for secondary bacterial pneumonia infections. ASPs can help monitor prescribing to ensure compliance with established guidelines. In fact, post-prescriptive review conducted by ASPs can, in theory, help with early identification of potential cases, according to the letter authors.
As ASPs already manage antimicrobial use within institutions, they are uniquely equipped to manage antimicrobial therapies for emerging pathogens. The letter states, “Additionally, ASPs can help in the development of local treatment protocols involving repurposed antivirals; they can monitor and manage drug shortages due to supply chain interruptions; and they can assist frontline providers with expanded access investigational new drug applications (eINDs) and local institutional review board procedures for investigational agents.”