Optimizing antibiotic stewardship in United Arab Emirates hospitals: an assessment of programme structure in Emirates Health Services

EHS ASP demonstrates adequate structure but inconsistent dissemination across hospitals. This first UAE mixed-methods study benchmarks local ASP against CDC and WHO standards, aligning with high-income countries but diverging from practices in Middle East and North African countries. ASP implementation and adoption optimization needs to be explored with process and outcome indicator data focusing on prescribing, cost-effectiveness, and clinical outcomes.