CP-139 A cross-sectional survey of antimicrobial stewardship strategies in UK hospitals. (24th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tonna, AP; Gould, IM; Stewart, D
• Is Part Of: European journal of hospital pharmacy. Volume 21(2014)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A56
• Page End: A56
• Publication Date: 2014-02-24
• Subjects: Pharmacy -- Periodicals; Hospital pharmacies -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2013-000436.137
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2047-9956

Abstract

Abstract : Background: To improve prescribing and reduce antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial stewardship programmes have been implemented in hospitals, usually led by antimicrobial management teams (AMTs). Many of these teams include a hospital pharmacist. Purpose: The objective of this study was to describe the profile and activities of AMTs within hospitals in the United Kingdom (UK). Materials and methods: All hospitals within the UK (n = 836) were included and a pre-piloted questionnaire was mailed to the 'Director of Pharmacy.' Non-respondents were mailed up to two reminder questionnaires at two weekly intervals. Results were analysed using SPSS and Minitabs. Main outcome measures: Existence and remit of the AMTs; availability of antimicrobial prescribing policies, aims, scope and methods of dissemination; monitoring and feedback provided on antimicrobial policy adherence. Results: Response rate 33% (n = 273) Completed questionnaires analysed n = 226 (n = 47 incomplete – reasons given include no pharmacy department, already completed by another site) Responses were largely from English hospitals (70%); district general hospitals (57%). 82 (n = 186) of respondents indicated the presence of an AMT within the hospital, with 95% of these (n = 177) reporting an antimicrobial pharmacist as part of the team. All AMTs (n = 186) were involved in development of an antimicrobial policy and almost all (99% n = 184) promoted adherence and restricted use of specific antimicrobials (97% n = 180). 98% of respondents (n = 222) reported the availability of a local antimicrobial prescribing policy within the hospital with this disseminated mainly through the hospital intranet (98% n = 217). Adherence to policy was measured mainly through audits measuring the appropriateness of antimicrobial use against the local policy (76% n = 169). Hospitals in England (p = 0.010), tertiary care hospitals (p = 0.021) and bed capacity >1500 (p < 0.001) were more likely to have an AMT. Audits to measure policy adherence were more likely (p < 0.001) if an AMT was present. Nurses (89% n = 201) and pharmacists (73% n = 165) were most likely to be involved in National Medicines Policies (NMP) of antimicrobials. Conclusions: While most respondents reported an antimicrobial prescribing policy, fewer had an AMT. Despite recent government and regional initiatives, further improvements in antimicrobial stewardship are still required. No conflict of interest.