World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 18- 24th November

Why not use World Antimicrobial Awareness Week to start to focus on the elements of the antimicrobial stewardship domain including:

1. Carry out audits for both Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) & Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI) for at least 4 weeks and a minimum 15 patients (extend for 8 wks if not reached minimum patient numbers).
2. All patient-facing staff to have completed Antimicrobial Stewardship for Comm Pharmacy.
3. All staff to have completed required Infection Prevention and Control assessment (Level 1, 2).
4. All patient-facing staff to be Antibiotic Guardians and know how to access the local SCAN antibiotic guidelines.
5. Update/ create an AMS Action Plan  

All support materials and links to training can be found at our PQS webpage:

• https://cpsc.org.uk/professionals/nhs-contract/quality-payments-introduction

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board have pledged to continue their support for Antimicrobial Stewardship(AMS) in the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). They want to support clinicians to use antibiotics only when they are absolutely necessary.

Their three main topics currently are:

• To reduce the prescribing of antibiotics to young children with self-limiting common respiratory conditions.  Supporting parents to safety self-manage these conditions by signposting them to the fantastic ‘Healthier Together Website’
• To limit the prescribing of the broad spectrum antibiotic co-amoxiclav to the few indications recommended in local guidance. SCAN Guidelines can be accessed here: https://viewer.microguide.global/SCAN/SCAN
• To reduce prescribing of trimethoprim to persons aged over the age of 65 with suspected urinary tract infection (UTI).  Trimethoprim resistance is an increasing problem as so is best used only after cultures indicate sensitivity.