Antimicrobial resistance has been recognised as one of the greatest threats to human health. In September 2016 global leaders met in the United Nations General Assembly to commit to united action.
With this project we set out to improve prescribing across the Central Coast Local Health District, to reduce patient harm and preserve antibiotics. We implemented a number of programs, including the requirement for approval of protected antimicrobial agents, the development of guidelines, antimicrobial stewardship ward rounds and education sessions.
Since implementation of the antimicrobial stewardship program 18 months ago, the use of two classes of antibiotics, which have the highest risk for promoting antimicrobial resistance and superinfection with Clostridium difficile, has halved. Prescribing according to national guidelines has improved by 25 per cent.
