Objective: To develop a consensus-based set of generic competencies in  antimicrobial prescribing and stewardship for European prescribers  through a structured consensus procedure.

Methods: The RAND-modified Delphi procedure comprised two online  questionnaire rounds, a face-to-face meeting between rounds, and a final  review. Our departure point was a set of competencies agreed previously  by consensus among a UK multi-disciplinary panel, and which had been  subsequently revised through consultation with ESCMID Study Group  representatives. The 46 draft competency points were reviewed by an  expert panel consisting of specialists in infectious diseases and  clinical microbiology, and pharmacists. Each proposed competency was  assessed using a nine-point Likert scale, for relevance as a minimum  standard for all independent prescribers in all European countries.

Results: A total of 65 expert panel members participated, from 24 European  countries (one to six experts per country). There was very high  satisfaction (98%) with the final competencies set, which included 35  competency points, in three sections: core concepts in microbiology,  pathogenesis and diagnosing infections (11 points); antimicrobial  prescribing (20 points); and antimicrobial stewardship (4 points).

Conclusions: The consensus achieved enabled the production of generic  antimicrobial prescribing and stewardship competencies for all European  independent prescribers, and of possible global utility. These can be  used for training and can be further adapted to the needs of specific  professional groups.

Keywords:  Antibiotic stewardship; Competency; Curriculum; Education; Prescription; Standards; Training.