Dissemination and implementation science and antimicrobial stewardship in solid organ transplantation: A perspective.

BACKGROUND:Recipients of solid organ transplants (SOTs) have unique risks for infections, but providers are often hesitant to apply the principles of antimicrobial stewardship to this patient population due to perceived excess risk. The methods of implementation science may move the field forward to simultaneously improve patient outcomes and patient safety. METHODS:Perspective piece on implementation science in SOT patients. RESULTS:Herein, we provide explanation of implementation science as it relates to SOT patients. In addition, we provide examples of how implementation science can be applied to antimicrobial stewardship in SOT patients. CONCLUSION:Implementation science may offer insights and solutions to the challenges of implementing evidence-based antimicrobial stewardship interventions in patients with SOT, including uptake of new practices and the de-implementation of outdated or low-value practices.