The Role of the Private Sector in Advancing Antimicrobial Stewardship: Recommendations from the Global Chief Medical Officers' Network.

Elizabeth D Hermsen,Pietie Loubser,Yat Chow,Elizabeth Wilkinson,Richard Jenkins,Cathryn Gunther,Steve Iley,Nico Pronk,Jonathan Mark Sackier,Ivo Vlaev,Thirumalai Rajgopal

doi:10.1089/pop.2020.0027

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. If allowed to increase at the current rate, AMR could kill an estimated 10 million people per year and cost society approximately 100–200 trillion USD globally by 2050. The slow development of novel antimicrobials further exacerbates the problem. Most human antibiotic use occurs in homes and workplaces, where antibiotic-resistant infections may contribute to diminished performance and loss of work productivity. Employers in the private sector have the ability to reach large populations of employees and their families, raise awareness about AMR, and promote antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among their workforce. The authors describe 4 steps a company can take to help advance AMS: (1) sign the AMR Pledge, (2) perform a gap analysis, (3) implement and/or modify standard practices, and (4) measure and report outcomes. Real-world examples are provided, including barriers faced, in order to successfully implement initiatives to promote better AMS. Behavioral methods to influence change in the workplace are also presented. Both large and small companies can make a difference to support responsible use of antibiotics and improve the health and well-being of their employees.

Highlights

Why Employers Should Care About Antimicrobial ResistanceAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be a threat to global health security, killing an estimated 700,000 people across the world every year.[1]
This paper presents 4 steps companies can take to help advance antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), including real-world examples from a variety of companies: British Airways, Bupa, Emirates Airline, HealthPartners, Helius Medical Technologies, Jaguar Land Rover, Mediclinic Middle East, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA, and Unilever (Table 1)
Guidance notes for common infectious Antibiotic use evaluation in Annually diseases disseminated through the core clinics for certain organization infectious disease diagnoses Posters on viral upper respiratory tract None

Summary

Introduction

Why Employers Should Care About Antimicrobial ResistanceAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be a threat to global health security, killing an estimated 700,000 people across the world every year.[1]. All the companies provide education about AMR and AMS to their employees. Employees of HealthPartners who are part of medical care teams are required to complete online AMR/AMS education modules.

Results

Conclusion