The essential role of pharmacists in antibiotic stewardship in outpatient care: An official position statement of the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this position statement is to describe the essential role of pharmacists in antimicrobial stewardship in outpatient care. DATA SOURCES: N/A. SUMMARY: The majority of antibiotic prescribing occurs in outpatient care settings highlighting the need for antibiotic stewardship in the community. Given their expertise on medication management, pharmacists are essential to any antibiotic stewardship effort. CONCLUSION: As the regulations for antibiotic stewardship in outpatient settings continue to evolve and optimal stewardship strategies are defined, pharmacists must be leaders in the implementation of these programs.