Diagnostic stewardship in clinical microbiology: current status and perspectives in Korea

Diagnostic stewardship in clinical microbiology: current status and perspectives in Korea

Diagnostic stewardship aims to improve patient care quality by optimizing diagnostic test utilization, reducing unnecessary testing, and enhancing cost-effectiveness [1,2]. In Korea, diagnostic practices are in the early stages of developing a stewardship program. Although not exclusive to clinical microbiology, diagnostic stewardship programs (DSPs) has gained prominence owing to the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance, aligning with the expansion of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) [3]. This commentary examines the current status and perspectives of DSPs in clinical microbiology and highlights key strategies and future directions in Korea.

Diagnostic stewardship aims to improve patient care quality by optimizing diagnostic test utilization, reducing unnecessary testing, and enhancing cost-effectiveness [1,2]. In Korea, diagnostic practices are in the early stages of developing a stewardship program. Although not exclusive to clinical microbiology, diagnostic stewardship programs (DSPs) has gained prominence owing to the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance, aligning with the expansion of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) [3]. This commentary examines the current status and perspectives of DSPs in clinical microbiology and highlights key strategies and future directions in Korea.