Program Description

Health care practitioners recognize that antibacterial resistance is a national if not world-wide problem. Recent data demonstrates that this problem is reaching epidemic proportions, especially within inpatient and critical care patient settings. In the absence of intervention, this trend is expected to continue. Pharmacists can play a key role in optimizing antimicrobial therapy. To do this, pharmacists must have an understanding of pharmacodynamic principles in developing therapeutic strategies. This session will discuss the emerging pathogens in institutional settings and the mechanisms of resistance. Pharmacodynamic principles and practical applications in selecting appropriate antimicrobial therapy will be discussed.