Antifungal Stewardship Interventions in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review Antifungal stewardship has been recognized as a significant component of any antimicrobial stewardship program. In this article, we aim to provide a review of recommendations and antifungal stewardship interventions in hematologic patients. Recent Findings Core elements of antibiotic stewardship programs can be applied to antifungal stewardship practices. Engagement of high-prescribing specialists, timely access to fungal diagnostics, screening for drug-drug interactions, and therapeutic drug monitoring are recommended practices that specifically pertain to antifungal stewardship. Tools recently developed in assessing adherence to guidelines can prove useful in evaluating prescribing practices. The most common longitudinal metrics are likely to hinge on measuring antifungal consumption. However, many of the parameters to measure antifungal stewardship activity and performance are extremely challenging to obtain. Summary A multifaceted antifungal stewardship approach is required to improve antifungal use among hematologic patients in an efficient and sustainable manner.