Antimicrobial Stewardship Program
The Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) was the first in South Carolina for the pediatric population. It began as a hospital initiative to encourage judicial use of antibiotics through two strategies:
- Targeted use of antimicrobials
- Prospective audit with intervention and feedback
Under the leadership of pediatric infectious disease specialist Anna-Kathryn Burch, MD, the primary goal is to safely decrease the amount of antibiotics used so that resistance to antibiotics can be decreased.
The ASP at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital includes the Children’s Hospital Pharmacy team and works with physicians and the community to help decrease instances where antibiotics are inappropriately given.
Burch and the ASP team are committed to helping physicians access current information more easily. They developed a tool for private pediatricians, family physicians and pediatric residents − an annual infectious disease ASP handbook − a pocket-sized guide with current recommendations. It is a central repository of information, with content specific to Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital.
The ASP is here to help guide in the most appropriate medication and dosage.
Contact Us
803-434-7995
Anna-Kathryn Burch, MD, and Rebecca Widener, MD
803-434-3040
Rob Daniels, PharmD, and Steven Frazier, PharmD