[Translated article] Role of the pharmacist in antimicrobial stewardship programs in critically ill patients

The design and implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs for patients admitted to intensive care units must consider the specific characteristics of this population, including infection severity, organ dysfunction, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic alterations. The creation of a multidisciplinary team and the establishment of clear, targeted objectives are essential to improve treatment appropriateness, reduce the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, and ensure the sustainability of healthcare system. Pharmaceutical care contributes to the optimisation of antimicrobial use through antimicrobial therapy review, dose individualisation based on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters, and treatment monitoring, while also facilitating the development of systems for monitoring clinical outcomes, microbiology, and antimicrobial consumption.