"An effective approach to improving antimicrobial use in hospitals is an organised antimicrobial management program, known as antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). Effective hospital antimicrobial stewardship programs have been shown to reduce inappropriate antimicrobial use, improve patient outcomes and reduce the adverse consequences of antimicrobial use (including antimicrobial resistance, toxicity and unnecessary costs)"

Publisher: Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Date: 2011 http://www.health.gov.au/internet/safety/publishing.nsf/Content/Antimicrobial-Stewardship