The Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists is a non-profit professional association of pharmacists and allied health professionals who specialize in infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship. According to the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties, clinical pharmacists specializing in infectious diseases are trained in the use of microbiology and pharmacology to develop, implement, and monitor drug regimens that incorporate the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of antimicrobials for patients. According to SIDP, the organization was founded in 1990 and its 1500+ members are involved in patient care, research, teaching, pharmaceutical industry, and government. Its stated mission is to "Advance infectious diseases pharmacy and lead antimicrobial stewardship in order to optimize the care of patients."
Advocacy for antimicrobial resistance
The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified antimicrobial resistance as one of the biggest public health threats of our time. SIDP has identified promoting the appropriate use of antimicrobials and decreasing resistance as priorities for the organization. In 2003, SIDP warned of an "exponential increase in resistance" by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In 2009, the SIDP supported a study which identified antibiotics which appeared less likely to lead to antibiotic resistance.
In January 2019, the Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria convened to respond to the charge of the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, to gather public input on combating antimicrobial resistance. SIDP president Kerry LaPlante presented public comments stating the need to prioritize accelerating research and development of new antimicrobials through innovative funding mechanisms, protecting the supply of existing drugs, and to develop strategies to mitigate anti-infective shortages. LaPlante said, "Together, we scramble to concoct mixtures of antibiotics, using in vitro data, hoping to override resistance and hoping for synergy to save our dying patients. Many of these patients have already endured and overcome months of chemotherapy, only to find themselves kicked down and fighting for their lives – again."
U.S. Government Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Challenge
The U.S. Government Antimicrobial Resistance Challenge is a global initiative, launched in 2018, that charges pharmaceutical and health insurance companies, food animal producers and purchasers, medical professionals, government health officials, and other industry leaders from around the world to work together to address antibiotic resistance. The AMR Challenge is a way for organizations to make formal commitments to further the progress against antimicrobial resistance. SIDP has submitted a commitment to the AMR Challenge to promote appropriate antimicrobial use. As part of this commitment, in 2019, SIDP collaborated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists to develop educational materials on how pharmacists can improve antimicrobial use. Healthcare providers can submit a formal commitment to adopt these practices. According to Secretary Azar, nearly 350 national and international organizations have committed to the AMR Challenge, including Infectious Diseases Society of America, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American Cancer Society, Pew Charitable Trusts, and the U.S. Department of Defense
Legislative support
On June 4, 2019, the Developing an Innovative Strategy for Antimicrobial Resistant Microorganisms Act S. 1712 was introduced by United States SenatorsJohnny Isakson and Bob Casey. The DISARM Act would promote antibiotic research and development and preserve existing antibiotics by improving Medicare reimbursement for antibiotics and promoting their appropriate use. SIDP joined other medical organizations such as Infectious Diseases Society of America, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and American Society for Microbiology in signing a letter of support for the DISARM Act. Similarly, SIDP and other infectious diseases organizations have signed a letter of support for the Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance Act which is aimed at strengthening existing federal infrastructure for surveillance, data collection, and research efforts.
Publications and activities
Other activities SIDP engages in include clinical guidance, position statements, and education. SIDP has endorsed guidance for necessary skills for antimicrobial stewardship leaders, the essential role of pharmacists in antimicrobial stewardship, and the optimal use of polymyxins. In addition, SIDP has published position statements promoting the appropriate use of antimicrobials in various settings such as agricultural applications and ambulatory care settings. SIDP holds an annual meeting that precedes IDWeek, providing live educational sessions by specialists in infectious diseases, as well as original research abstracts. On October 3, 2019, IDSA announced that SIDP will become the fifth partner in IDWeek, joining IDSA, the HIV Medicine Association, the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. The partnership will begin with IDWeek 2020. SIDP also funds education grants for initiatives that provide public education, or support novel training mechanisms for healthcare professionals.
