Responding to the threat of antimicrobial resistance: Tasmanian approach

Abstract

Introduction: Responding to the threat of antimicrobial resistance: Australia’s First National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy (FNARS) 2015-2019 was published in June 2015. The strategy is a OneHealth approach outlining seven objectives to minimise the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Methods: Tasmanian Infection Prevention and Control (TIPCU) reviewed all activities that they were involved in that are used to minimise the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Results: TICPU have a number of significant activities and achievements in the human health sector that support the Strategy objectives of surveillance and infection prevention and control. These are: • Quarterly publication of the Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance report • Surveillance of antimicrobial use in rural hospitals • Statewide framework for multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO) screening and associated infection control alerts. • Involvement in Carbapenamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) working group making CPE a notifiable condition in Tasmania. • Development of educational resources including on-line learning package and PPE videos. • Participation in the National Antimicrobial Utilisation Surveillance Program Conclusion: TIPCU have systems and activities in place that are consistent with, and contribute to the objectives of the FNARS. Collaborative relationships within Public Health Services and the broader Tasmanian Health Service are key to having achieved these outcomes.