Systematic Review
Open access
Published: 18 September 2026
Pharmacist-Led Antimicrobial Stewardship in Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review of Clinical, Microbiological, and Economic Outcomes
Rajiv N. Patel, PharmD, BCIDP; Sofia Morales, MD; Arthur Pendelton, PhD
Abstract
Systematic review of 32 ICU studies evaluating pharmacist-led antimicrobial stewardship. Demonstrates 28% decrease in antimicrobial consumption and substantial cost reductions with neutral mortality impact.
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance poses a severe threat in intensive care units (ICUs). This systematic review evaluated the impact of clinical pharmacist interventions within ICU antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). Across 32 included studies, pharmacist-driven prospective audit and feedback resulted in a 28% reduction in total antimicrobial consumption, a 34% reduction in duration of broad-spectrum therapy, and significant hospital cost savings without increasing ICU mortality or length of stay.
- DOI
- 10.1007/s11096-026-01828-0
- Volume / Issue
-
Volume 1, Issue 1 — Pages 66-81
- Published
- 18 September 2026
- Journal
- International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Medicine (IJCPM)