Two decades of clinical pharmacists: top 10 roles in the 20 years: What every pharmacist and antimicrobial stewardship should know

This scoping review explores the evolving role of clinical pharmacists in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) from 2000 to 2021, focusing on shifts in practice during the COVID-19 pandemic and their influence on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT 2018) was used to assess study quality. From 8,763 initial abstracts, six articles met the inclusion criteria. Findings reveal how pharmacists transitioned from primarily dispensing to AMS leadership roles, implementing formulary restrictions, conducting antibiotic reviews, and leveraging technology. During the COVID-19 crisis, prospective audits with feedback and virtual interventions underscored their adaptability and contributed to mitigating AMR risks. Overall, clinical pharmacists have become key drivers in AMS programmes, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration and support to confront future challenges in managing AMR.