Infectious Diseases as a specialty has gained a lot of importance in the field of internal medicine. It has an integral role to play in management of different diseases which are labelled as infectious. Knowledge in microbiology has progressed enormously and many sophisticated and expensive diagnostic techniques are widely available. New treatment options are introduced while numerous microbial species demonstrate increasing resistance to antimicrobial agents. The intervention of trained infectious disease physicians could thus contribute to optimize treatment and limit the use of economic resources. There are very few trained Infectious Diseases physicians and pharmacists who are trained in clinical antimicrobial stewardship. 

 

In the secondary care level, the medical community faces many challenges with regard to treatment of infections. Inappropriate management of the infectious diseases can lead to increased mortality and morbidity. Lack of adequate diagnostic facilities, lack of resources, and availability of expensive tests and therapies poses difficulty in offering pathogen directed therapy. The provision of a syndromic and algorithmic approach by the academic Infectious Diseases physicians to train personnel at secondary level care by involving them in infection control, hospital epidemiology and antibiotic management program will further lead to reduction in mortality and morbidity and further reduce anti-microbial resistance by providing a problem-solving network. Appropriate management of infections will lead to capacity building at the secondary level hospitals.

 

Antibiotic abuse is also rampant at the primary and secondary care levels and this is often ignored area as there are no trained personnel to tackle this. There is an increasing need for expertise because of growing antimicrobial resistance and emerging pathogens.

 

With a positive attitude toward learning, application, and leadership, ID physicians can redefine their role and expand their services through managed care. Secondary/tertiary care hospitals have access to most antimicrobials but often without laboratory facilities to confirm diagnosis leading to spiraling empiricism and lack of de-escalation and streamlining strategies. This high antibiotic use hence leads to a high prevalence of resistance. The overall aim of this course is to encourage and facilitate responsible and appropriate use of antibiotics which can be sustainable in a secondary hospital level.

 

Hospital based programs and education regarding appropriate anti-microbial use have been found to be useful in improving the quality of patient care. Implementation of an effective AMSP (Anti-Microbial Stewardship Program) requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a variety of experts. Thus, this course will enhance the physician’s knowledge and skill to improve in patient care.