The WHO methodology for point prevalence surveys on antibiotics use in hospitals should be improved: Lessons from pilot studies in four Mexican hospitals

Abstract

Point prevalence surveys (PPSs) are a useful option for collecting antimicrobial prescription data in hospitals where regular monitoring is not feasible. The methodology recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for conducting PPSs (WPPS), which targets low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), attempts to respond to the lag in these regions to generate estimates for antimicrobial use. However, based on our experience in four third-level public hospitals in Mexico, we identified substantial gaps in the WPPS guide with regards to addressing common challenges for the implementation of PPSs. While the oversimplified narrative of WPPS could facilitate the adoption of this methodology and extend its use, it underestimates the efforts and potential pitfalls for survey preparation, coordination, and reliable implementation. Conducting rigorous pilot studies could reduce the WPPS deficiencies and strengthen the reliability and comparability of the estimates for antimicrobial use.