Surveillance Of Antibiotic Consumption Research Articles

Assessment of antibiotic consumption patterns in hospital and primary healthcare using WHO Access, Watch and Reserve classification (AWaRe) in Sichuan Western China: 2020

BackgroundThe Access, Watch, and Reserve (AWaRe) classification of antibiotics was a useful tool to support antibiotic stewardship. However, the AWaRe patterns of antibiotic consumption in Western China were unclear. We aimed to assess the antibiotic consumption patterns using the AWaRe Classification of public hospitals in Sichuan Province Western China.MethodsAntibiotic consumption data of year 2020 were obtained from the Sichuan Province Drug Use Monitoring Platform. We measured the antibiotic consumption (DDDs per 1,000 inhabitants per day, DIDs), calculated the proportion of antibiotic use, the ratio of Access to Watch antibiotics and patterns of antibiotic use by using drug utilization 90%.ResultsThis analysis included 4452 public health institutions. The antibiotic consumption rate was 10.39 DIDs (Median 8.50, IQR 7.71–12.96). The proportions of Access antibiotic use and Watch antibiotic use were 46.83% (Median 47.49, IQR 44.16–52.02) and 51.20% (Median 51.43, IQR 45.42–54.61), respectively. The Access-to-Watch index was 0.91 (Median 0.92, IQR 0.81–1.15). Amoxicillin (16.85%), cefuroxime (9.21%), cefixime (8.60%%), levofloxacin (8.11%) and metronidazole (6.16%) were the most consumed antibiotics.ConclusionsThe proportion of Access antibiotic consumption in Sichuan Western China has not achieved the WHO target of 60%. Overuse of antibiotic is serious in Sichuan. National and regional antibiotics management systems, stewardship programs and surveillance of antibiotic consumption based on AWaRe classification are needed to improve antibiotic consumption patterns, curb antibiotic overuse and combat antimicrobial resistance in Western China.

Is Antimicrobial Stewardship Policy Effectively Implemented in Polish Hospitals? Results from Antibiotic Consumption Surveillance before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed numerous challenges to public health systems, particularly in antimicrobial stewardship. This study aimed to assess antibiotic consumption before and during the COVID-19 pandemic to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented antimicrobial stewardship program. This retrospective study was carried out at the University Hospital in Krakow, Poland, between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020. A total of 80,639 patients were enrolled. Antibiotic usage was measured as the percentage of patients receiving antibiotics and the number of days of therapy (DOTs). The World Health Organization (WHO) methodology and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) codes and AWaRe classification were utilized. The analyzed ATC antibiotic groups included penicillins (J01CA, J01CE, J01CF, J01CR, excluding piperacillin/tazobactam), piperacillin with tazobactam-beta-lactamase inhibitor (J01CR05), third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins (J01DD, J01DE), carbapenems (J01DH), macrolides (J01FA), fluoroquinolones (J01M), colistin (J01XB01), metronidazole (J01XD01) and others (J01DF, J01DI, J01E, J01G, J01XA, J01A). In the AWaRe classification, Access, Watch and Reserve groups of antibiotics were included. In 2020, 79.2% of COVID-19 patients and 40.1% of non-COVID-19 patients were treated with antibiotics, compared to 28.8% in 2019. Also, in 2020, the antibiotic consumption in non-ICU COVID-19 patients was twice as high as in non-COVID-19 patients: 50.9 vs. 38.5 DOTs/100 patient days (pds). Conversely, in the ICU, antibiotic consumption in COVID-19 patients was 112.1 DOTs/100 pds compared to 248.9 DOTs/100 pds in non-COVID-19 patients. Significant increases were observed in the usage of third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins in 2020. The analysis according to the AWaRe system revealed the highest usage of the Watch group-ranging from 61.9% to 78.7%-and very high usage of the Reserve group-from 5.8% to 11.1%-in non COVID-19 and COVID-19 patients, respectively. Our findings highlight substantial issues with antibiotic use both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results underscore the urgent need for improved antimicrobial stewardship policy implementation.

Antibiotic consumption in French nursing homes between 2018 and 2022: A multicenter survey.

Monitoring antibiotic consumption is a key component to steer antimicrobial stewardship programs, including in nursing homes. We analyzed changes in antibiotic consumption in French nursing homes during 5 years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, to identify potential priorities for improvement. A multicenter survey was conducted between 2018 and 2022. The study was conducted across 220 French nursing homes with on-site pharmacies. Antibiotic consumption data were collected from pharmacy records and are expressed as defined daily doses per 1,000 resident days. Antibiotic indicators promoted by health authorities were calculated from quantitative data to evaluate the quality of prescribing. Antibiotic consumption significantly decreased between 2018 and 2022, particularly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, despite a slight increase in 2022. During the study period, the most used antibiotic classes were penicillins (61.9% in 2022) followed by cephalosporins (10.5%), macrolides-lincosamides-streptogramins (7.3%) then fluoroquinolones (7.0%). Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was the most consumed antibiotic; amoxicillin and ceftriaxone ranked second and third. Azithromycin consumption increased from 2020, as did the indicator regarding broad-spectrum antibiotics. The decreasing trend in antibiotic use and control of fluoroquinolone use over the study period suggest compliance with antibiotic use guidelines. However, changes in the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and the substantial use of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, although it is rarely a first-line antibiotic, highlight the need for antimicrobial stewardship activities and the usefulness of antibiotic consumption surveillance to identify priorities.

Antibiotic use in pediatric acute care hospitals: an analysis of antibiotic consumption data from Germany, 2013–2020

BackgroundAntimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs are effective tools for improving antibiotic prescription quality. Their implementation requires the regular surveillance of antibiotic consumption at the patient and institutional level. Our study captured and analyzed antibiotic consumption density (ACD) for hospitalized pediatric patients.MethodWe collected antibacterial drug consumption data for 2020 from hospital pharmacies at 113 pediatric departments of acute care hospitals in Germany. ACD was calculated as defined daily dose (DDD, WHO/ATC Index 2019) per 100 patient days (pd). In addition, we analyzed the trends in antibiotic use during 2013–2020.ResultsIn 2020, median ACD across all participating hospitals was 26.7 DDD/100 pd, (range: 10.1–79.2 DDD/100 pd). It was higher at university vs. non-university hospitals (38.6 vs. 25.2 DDD/100 pd, p < 0.0001). The highest use densities were seen on oncology wards and intensive care units at university hospitals (67.3 vs. 38.4 DDD/100 pd). During 2013–2020, overall ACD declined (− 10%) and cephalosporin prescriptions also decreased (− 36%). In 2020, cephalosporins nevertheless remained the most commonly dispensed class of antibiotics. Interhospital variability in cephalosporin/penicillin ratio was substantial. Antibiotics belonging to WHO AWaRe “Watch” and “Reserve” categories, including broad-spectrum penicillins (+ 31%), linezolid (+ 121%), and glycopeptides (+ 43%), increased over time.ConclusionSignificant heterogeneity in ACD and prescription of different antibiotic classes as well as high prescription rates for cephalosporins and an increased use of reserve antibiotics indicate improvable antibiotic prescribing quality. AMS programs should urgently prioritize these issues to reduce antimicrobial resistance.

Antibiotic use and consumption among medical patients of two hospitals in Sierra Leone: a descriptive report

BackgroundAlthough one of the main drivers of antimicrobial resistance is inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, there are limited resources to support the surveillance of antibiotic consumption in low-income countries. In this study, we aimed to assess antibiotic use and consumption among medical patients of two hospitals in different geographic regions of Sierra Leone.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of adult (18 years or older) patients receiving medical care at two hospitals (34 Military Hospital-MH and Makeni Government Hospital-MGH) between March 2021 and October 2021. After admission to the medical or intensive care unit, patients were sequentially recruited by a nurse from each hospital. Demographic and clinical characteristics and information on the dose of antibiotics, their routes, and frequency of administration and duration were collected using a questionnaire adapted from previous studies and encrypted in EpiCollect software (Epic, Verona WI). A physician reviews and verifies each completed questionnaire. Data analysis was done using STATA version 16.ResultsThe mean age of the 468 patients evaluated in this study was 48.6 years. The majority were women (241, 51.7%) and treated at MGH (245, 52.0%). Clinical diagnosis of bacterial infection was made in only 180 (38.5%) patients. Regardless of the diagnosis, most (442, 94.9%) patients received at least one antibiotic. Of a total 813 doses of antibiotics prescribed by the two hospitals, 424 (52.2%) were administered in MH. Overall, antibiotic consumption was 66.9 defined daily doses (DDDs) per 100 bed-days, with ceftriaxone being the most commonly used antibiotic (277, 34.1%). The ACCESS and WATCH antibiotics accounted for 18.9 DDDs per 100 bed-days (28.2%) and 48.0 DDDs per 100 bed-days (71.7%), respectively. None of the patients were prescribed a RESERVE antibiotics. The antibiotic consumption was lower in MH (61.3 DDDs per 100 bed-days) than MGH (76.5 DDDs per 100 bed-days).ConclusionAntibiotic consumption was highest with ceftriaxone, followed by levofloxacin and metronidazole. Given the high rate of consumption of antibiotics in the WATCH category of the AWaRe classification, there is a need to initiate surveillance of antibiotic consumption and establish hospital-based antibiotic stewardship in these settings.

Antibiotic consumption trends in Ghana: analysis of six-years pharmacy issue data from a secondary healthcare facility.

Surveillance of hospital antibiotic consumption provides data to inform corrective action and for monitoring antimicrobial stewardship activities. This study described antibiotic consumption patterns from 2016 through 2021 at a secondary healthcare facility in Ghana. Using the WHO methodology for surveillance of antimicrobial consumption in hospitals, we analysed a 6-year pharmacy issue data at the Eastern Regional Hospital. We report on the defined daily dose (DDD) per 100 patients, types of antibiotics consumed according to Anatomic Therapeutic Classification (ATC), WHO AWaRe classification; trends in antibiotic consumption and expenditure per DDD of antibiotics consumed. Over the period, the mean (±standard deviation) antibiotic consumption rate was 256.7 ± 33 DDD/100 patients per year. A linear regression model showed an insignificant decreasing trend in antibiotic consumption (coefficient for time -0.561; P = 0.247). The top three consumed antibiotics in DDD/100 patients at ATC level 5 were amoxicillin-clavulanate (n = 372.6), cefuroxime (n = 287.4) and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (n = 145.8). The yearly Access-to-Watch ratio decreased from 2.4 in 2016 to 1.2 in 2021. The mean yearly cost of antibiotics was $394 206 ± 57 618 US dollars. The top three antibiotics consumed in terms of cost were clindamycin $718 366.3, amoxicillin-clavulanate $650 928.3 and ceftriaxone $283 648.5. This study showed a sturdy rate of antibiotic consumption over the 6-year period with a year-on-year decrease in the Access-to-Watch antibiotic ratio. Data from pharmacy drug issues offer an opportunity to conduct antibiotic consumption surveillance at the hospital and national level in Ghana.

Antibiotic consumption among hospitalized neonates and children in Punjab province, Pakistan

ABSTRACT Background Periodic surveillance of antibiotic consumption in the form of point prevalence studies is a quick and robust methodology to evaluate prescribing trends in hospitals. The current study was undertaken to document antibiotic consumption among neonates and children from hospitals in Pakistan. Methods This large multicenter study using the World Health Organization standardized methodology and AWaRe (Access, Watch, and Reserve) classification examined antibiotic consumption for suspected bacterial infection among neonates and children admitted hospitals in Punjab, Pakistan. Results A total of 708 beds of children wards of the 16 health facilities were examined. Almost all (97%) hospitalized children were prescribed antibiotics on the day of the assessment with 2.6 antibiotics per patient. The three most common indications were respiratory tract infections (31.58%), sepsis (26.52%), and prophylaxis for medical problems (10.30%). The three most frequently prescribed antibiotics were ceftriaxone (24.2%), amikacin (23.2%), and ampicillin (16.7%). Almost half of the antibiotics were prescribed from the ‘Access’ (49.5%) and ‘Watch’ (45.5%) categories under the AWaRe classification. However, no antimicrobial was prescribed from the ‘Reserved’ category. Conclusions Our findings indicate that empirical antimicrobials use among hospitalized children is highly prevalent in Pakistan. The utilization of ‘Watch’ category of antimicrobials is frequent, stressing immediate action.

Impact of Social, Economic, and Healthcare Factors on the Regional Structure of Antibiotic Consumption in Primary Care in Poland (2013-2017).

Antibiotic resistance is one of the most important public health threats worldwide. Antimicrobial misuse and overuse are well-recognized risk factors for the resistance emergence and spread. Monitoring of antibiotic consumption (AC) is an important element in strategies to combat antibiotic resistance. As a result of AC surveillance in Poland, regional differences in AC levels were observed. This study aimed to characterize the regional AC in the period 2013–2017 in primary care in Poland and to assess the possible determinants that influence the AC at the regional level. The study analyzed relationships between AC and its factors (grouped in three different categories: demographic, economic, and related to the organization of healthcare). Data covered AC in primary care in 5 years period (2013–2017) from all 16 Polish voivodeships. The AC primary care data were sales data, expressed in defined daily doses (DDD) according to the WHO methodology. The yearly data on demographic, economic, and related healthcare factors were downloaded from the Central Statistical Office of Poland. Standard statistical parameters were used to characterize the AC. Non-standardized regression coefficients were used to estimate the quantitative dependence of variables. The strongest correlation was demonstrated with factors related to employment, female reproductive activity, mobility of the population, the number of outpatient consultations, and the number of dentists. A correlation was also found between population mobility and density. Recognized risk factors for increased AC should be a priority for interventions implementing and disseminating rational antibiotic policy.

Decreasing Trends in Antibiotic Consumption in Public Hospitals from 2014 to 2017 Following the Decentralization of Drug Procurement in Myanmar.

(1) Background: In 2014, drug procurement for public hospitals in Myanmar was decentralized to a pull system. This might lead to increasing trends in the consumption of broad-spectrum and last-resort antibiotics. For fiscal years 2014-2017, we assessed annual antibiotic consumption trends and patterns in total defined daily doses (DDDs). (2) Methods: We followed World Health Organization (WHO) methodology for surveillance of antimicrobial consumption based on hospital antibiotic procurement records (as a proxy). (3) Results: In 32% of all public hospitals where data were retrieved, total antibiotic consumption reduced by 19% between 2014 (7,122,852 DDD) and 2017 (5,794,904 DDD). Consumption per 1000 inhabitants per day (<200 bed hospitals) also reduced from 0.6 to 0.3. Over 60% of procurement was for beta-lactam antibiotics and quinolones; quinolones decreased over time. Consumption of first-line antibiotics increased (42% in 2014 to 54% in 2017), whereas broad-spectrum antibiotics decreased (46% in 2014 to 38% in 2017). Linezolid was the only last-resort antibiotic procured. There was a progressive reduction in per capita government current health expenditure from approximately 9.2 US$ in 2014 to 8.3 US$ in 2017. (4) Conclusions: Antibiotic consumption decreased over time in public hospitals. This first study provides a baseline for developing an antibiotic consumption surveillance system in Myanmar.

Пандемия COVID-19: новый виток нарастания антибиотикорезистентности

In this article, we analyzed the problems associated with increasing antibiotic resistance, irrational use of antibiotics, and inadequate demand for them during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective. Using the method of digital epidemiology, we analyzed the dynamics of the frequency of a specific request for antibiotics in pharmacies and hospitals. We used open data from Yandex (Wordstat.Yandex) and Google (Google Trends) collected on weekly basis for the Russian Federation. Results. The World Health Organization reports a growing problem of antibiotic misuse by some individuals and healthcare institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Extensive irrational use of antibiotics causes the development of antibiotic resistance by many microorganisms, including those circulating in hospitals (for example, ESKAPE group). Moreover, COVID-19 has led to an exponential increase in the use of biocides worldwide, potentially resulting in additional indirect pressure promoting the selection of antibiotic-resistant strains. The pandemic in Russia was marked by a significant increase in antibiotic sales in pharmacies (including systemic antibacterial agents) and purchases by healthcare institutions. Conclusion. Our findings demonstrate that the rapid spread of COVID-19 was associated with extensive consumption of antibiotics, which resulted in growing antibacterial resistance (number of circulating drug-resistant strains) and posed a threat to the national security. The COVID-19 necessitates the discovery of new effective treatments for this infection, as well as rational use of antimicrobial drugs. The implementation of surveillance of antibiotic consumption will help to identify changing trends in their use, combine efforts to solve problems related to antibiotics and drug resistance, and to ensure rational use of antimicrobials. Key words: antibiotics, antibiotic resistance, pandemic, COVID-19, digital epidemiology

Global antibiotic consumption: A modelling study

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to human health. Antibiotic use is an important driver of resistance; understanding patterns in global usage is essential for combatting limited access and excessive use of antibiotics, and controlling resistance. Existing studies focus on specific countries or regions, we aim to develop a global understanding of antibiotic consumption. Methods and materials: Contemporary antibiotic consumption data covering 46/69 high income (HICs) and 32/135 low and middle income countries (LMICs) were obtained from various sources. We calculated the daily defined doses (DDD) of antibiotics per 1000 population based on the WHO methodology and gap-filled the data using multiple imputation. For the remaining HICs we imputed the total DDD/1000 population of antibiotics for systemic use (J01) using multiple imputation. Antibiotic consumption data were sparser in LMICs, requiring a more extensive modelling framework. Data on the proportion of children with lower respiratory tract infections (LRI) receiving antibiotics were extracted from household surveys and modelled using model-based-geostatistics, informing spatial pattern of antibiotic access across LMICs. These estimates were used (with additional variables) in a stacked generalisation and spatial-temporal Gaussian process regression model to estimate the DDD/1000 population of J01 antibiotics across LMICs. Models were validating using five-fold cross-validation. Additionally, we calculated the types of antibiotics consumed as a proportion of antibiotic consumption. Results: Results are presented as DDD/1000 population/day. The median was 15, with the highest estimates in Mongolia (43), Greece (41), Tunisia (40) and Turkey (40). The lowest were in Indonesia and Philippines (both 5). High antibiotic use in children with LRI was noted in the Middle East, Southeast Asia; use in West Africa was low. Types of antibiotics used varied by country. Penicillins were the most commonly used, with amphenicols and aminoglycosides the least. Conclusion: By combining data from multiple sources and using spatial-temporal models, we provide an estimation of global antibiotic use. We highlight countries with excessive consumption and those with limited access to antibiotics. Surveillance of antibiotic consumption, as part of national action plans requires improvement, especially across LMICs, to fully understand patterns of usage. Judicious use of antibiotics needs to be promoted and implemented globally to curtail rising resistance.

National surveillance of antibiotic consumption in Mongolia

National surveillance of antibiotic consumption in Mongolia

Antibiotic consumption surveillance in rehabilitation facilities - a new task according to § 23 of the German Infection Protection Act. Data from rehabilitation facilities in the Rhine-Main area, 2016-2018.

Background: Multidrug-resistant pathogens are a major health problem in many countries. In Germany, in accordance with the German Antibiotic Resistance Strategy (DART), the surveillance of antibiotic consumption in acute care hospitals and rehabilitation facilities was made mandatory by the Infection Protection Act in 2011 and 2017.Whereas comparable reference data for acute care hospitals are available, such data is lacking for rehabilitation facilities. Therefore, the Rhine-Main network on MDRO (Multi Drug Resistant Organisms) has offered to evaluate the antibiotic consumption of the network's rehabilitation facilities. Antimicrobial consumption (if possible already given as daily defined doses, DDD) and patient days from 2016–2018 were requested.Materials and methods: By October 31, 2019, nine clinics, including a facility for early neurological rehabilitation, reported their consumption of antibiotics (mostly already as DDD) and patient days from 2016–2018. The information from the clinics was entered in an Excel table and the DDD calculated if necessary. In order to compare the facilities, the DDD/100 patient days (pd) were calculated for the individual active substances.Results: Antibiotic consumption in general rehabilitation facilities decreased slightly from 4.8 DDD/100 pd to 4.4 DDD/100 pd from 2016 to 2018. In early neurological rehabilitation, antibiotic consumption increased from 10.2 DDD/100 pd to 13.1 DDD/100 pd in the same period. Among the most commonly used antibiotics, cefuroxime came first, followed by ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin in third place.Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first antimicrobial consumption data from rehabilitation facilities in Germany. Antibiotic consumption in general rehabilitation facilities is less than 10% of the consumption in normal/regular wards of acute care clinics, and the consumption in neurological early rehabilitation was approximately 10% of the consumption in intensive care wards within acute care clinics. Reserve or broad-spectrum antibiotics were rarely or not used at all in the rehabilitation facilities. Despite this overall positive situation, antibiotic stewardship should also be introduced in rehabilitation facilities, possibly with the support of the regional MDRO networks.

Evaluating consumption and expenditure patterns of antibiotics in tablet and capsule dosage forms: Pakistan Antibiotic Consumption Surveillance (PACS)

AbstractBackgroundAntibiotics are available in the marketplace in the form of tablets and capsules, and are mostly self‐prescribed by patients, with the consequent emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study evaluated the consumption patterns of antimicrobials in these dosage forms during 2017 in Pakistan.MethodsData were acquired retrospectively from the International Medical Statistics (IMS) survey, Pakistan. Only the dosage forms of tablets and capsules constituting four major classes of antibiotics were included in the present study. Antibiotic consumption was measured using the World Health Organization's Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System with Daily Defined Doses (ATC/DDD) methodology. In addition, we calculated the DID as the total DDDs of antibiotic consumed in a defined period in that area per 1000 people. Expenditure was measured in Pakistan rupees (PKR) and converted to US dollars.ResultsTotal consumption of tablet and capsule dosage forms of antibiotics was found to be 10.6 DID, whereas total expenditure was US$221.5 million (26.69 billion PKR). Of all antibiotics, the most widely consumed were co‐amoxiclav (1.89 DID), levofloxacin (DID 1.41), ciprofloxacin (DID 1.38) and amoxicillin (DID 1.32). The top class of antibiotics based on expenditure was fluoroquinolones (ATC code J01MA), followed by combinations of penicillins (J01CR), third‐generation cephalosporins (J01DD) and macrolides (J01FA).ConclusionsExcessive consumption of broad‐spectrum and clinically important classes of antibiotics was observed. The study findings can serve as baseline data for policy makers and authorities to shape and design policies for the rational and cost‐effective use of antibiotics, reducing the burden of AMR and ensuring the economic use of antibiotics.

Antibiotic consumption in Belgian acute care hospitals: analysis of the surveillance methodology, consumption evolution 2003 to 2016 and future perspectives.

BackgroundStudies have demonstrated the link between antimicrobial consumption and the development of antimicrobial resistance. Surveillance of antimicrobial consumption is an action point of the European Commission’s ‘One Health Action Plan Against Antimicrobial Resistance’.AimThis study aims to compare two methodologies for antibiotic consumption surveillance, investigate the 14-year evolution of antibiotic consumption in Belgian acute care hospitals and discuss future perspectives.MethodsWe compared self-reported data (old methodology) and reimbursement data (new methodology) of national antibiotic consumption surveillance in hospitals. Descriptive analyses were performed on the reimbursement data collected per year and per trimester (2003–2016), per hospital and per unit. Antibiotic consumption was compared with European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption Network (ESAC-Net) results.ResultsThe median differences for defined daily doses (DDDs)/1,000 patient days and DDDs/1,000 admissions were 3.09% and 3.94% when comparing the old vs new methodology. Based on reimbursement data, the median antibiotic consumption in 2016 in 102 Belgian acute care hospitals was 577.1 DDDs/1,000 patient days and 3,890.3 DDDs/1,000 admissions with high variation between hospitals (interquartile ranges (IQR): 511.3–655.0 and 3,450.0–4,400.5, respectively), and similar to 2015. Based on DDDs/1,000 patient days, the magnitude of consumption is comparable with the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden, but is higher when based on DDDs/1,000 admissions.ConclusionAntibiotic consumption in Belgian acute care hospitals has remained overall stable over time. However, the high variation across hospitals should be further investigated. This surveillance data could be used for benchmarking and assessing interventions to improve antibiotic consumption in these hospitals.

Effects of economic and health policies on the consumption of antibiotics in a Spanish region

ABSTRACT Objectives Inappropriate and indiscriminate use of antibiotics is one of the main factors contributing to the increasing bacterial resistance. Surveillance of antibiotic consumption is fundamental for assessing the effects of rational use-oriented measures introduced under economic or health policies. This study quantifies and assesses the introduction of a pharmaceutical co-payment and implementation of campaigns to increase awareness about and rational use in the consumption of antibiotics (volume and expenditure). Methods Monthly official dispensations recorded by a health authority (La Rioja, Spain) between January 2009 and December 2017 (108 observations). Total and disaggregated (by active principle and patient’s income level) time series for a number of packages and expenditure were studied using intervention and counterfactual analyses (Box–Jenkins methodology). Results Co-payment reduced the total antibiotic consumption (number of packages −8.52% and expenditure −8.61%) and the difference was greater for the highest-priced antibiotics. Only two of the four campaigns had a significant effect, which lasted 6 months. Counterfactual analysis estimated the savings. Conclusion Economic and health policies helped to reduce antibiotic consumption. Each policy has different effects, co-payment reduces overall drug consumption through a price effect (loss of purchasing power), awareness campaigns depend on other elements for their success (media, scope and patient income).

Pharmacists' role in antimicrobial stewardship and relationship with antibiotic consumption in hospitals: An observational multicentre study.

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) teams around the world include pharmacists; however, their impact is relatively unknown. This study aimed to explore the relationship between pharmacists' actions and antibiotic consumption. Hospital pharmacists involved in the French antibiotic consumption surveillance network (ATB-Raisin) were invited to participate in a retrospective observational multicentre study. Collected data were: the previous year's (2016) antibiotic consumption expressed in daily defined dose per 1000 patient-days; AMS measures, including pharmacist-specific actions; and use of a computerised prescription order entry (CPOE) system. Associations between antibiotic consumption and AMS measures were assessed by linear regression, after adjustment for hospital activities. Annual data for 2016 from 77 hospitals (7260000 bed-days in 24000 beds) were analysed. Pharmacists were involved in AMS programs in 73% of hospitals, and were the antibiotic advisor in 25%. Pharmaceutical review of prescriptions was organised in almost all hospitals (97%). The univariable analysis identified five measures associated with lower overall antibiotic consumption: CPOE use (if >80% of prescriptions or 100%), pharmaceutical review (if >80% of beds or 100%) and the antibiotic advisor being a pharmacist (P=0.04, P=0.004 and P=0.003, respectively). In the multivariable analysis, two explanatory variables were significantly and independently associated with a lower overall antibiotic consumption: the antibiotic advisor being a pharmacist and a pharmaceutical review covering all beds (-19.9% [-31.6%; -8.1%], P=0.002 and -18.3% [-34.0%; -2.6%], P=0.03, respectively). Antibiotic consumption was lower when the antibiotic advisor was a pharmacist and when the pharmaceutical team reviewed all prescriptions. These results highlight that actions initiated by pharmacists have a positive impact and should be supported.

Informing the development of a standardised approach to measure antibiotic use in secondary care: a systematic review protocol

IntroductionEcological and individual-level evidence indicates that there is an association between level of antibiotic exposure and the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. The Global Point Prevalence Survey in 2015...

Trends and Drivers of Inpatient Antibiotic Consumption among 89 China Tertiary General Hospitals from 2011Q1 to 2015Q4.

Antibacterial surveillance is an essential measure for strengthening the management of clinical antibiotic use. This study aimed to determine the trends and drivers of inpatient antibiotic consumption in China. A sample of 89 hospitals with complete data from 2011Q1 to 2015Q4 was included. Accumulative defined daily doses (DDDs), antibiotic use density (AUD), and drug variety were calculated to evaluate antibiotic consumption. From 2011Q1 to 2015Q4, the median values of DDDs, AUD, and drug variety dropped by 10.49%, 39.19%, and 27.96%, respectively. Panel regression results showed, for each additional quarter, DDDs reduced by 6.714 DDDs, AUD reduced by 0.013 DDDs per 100 inpatients per day, and drug variety reduced by 0.012 types (p < 0.001). National hospitals were more likely to use antibiotics, with the highest number of DDDs (106 709 DDDs) and AUD (60 DDDs per 100 inpatients per day) and a large number of drug variety (71 types of drug) all reported from national hospitals. Overall, a downward trend of inpatient antibiotic consumption was observed in competitive tertiary general hospitals in China. However, antibiotic use in China, especially in national hospitals, continues to exceed the guidelines set forth by the nationwide antibiotic stewardship program. China must continue to improve surveillance of antibiotic consumption by constructing a more comprehensive, continuous, and targeted stewardship program. Policy interventions in China should be made in consideration of unbalanced regional development and the consequences this may have on antibiotic consumption.

Progress in strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance is on the rise while the number of antibiotics being brought to market continues to drop. Drug-resistant genes and drug-resistant bacteria infection have seriously threatened human health. Therefore, antimicrobial resistance presents an ongoing challenge that requires multifaceted approaches including: biomedical innovation; improved surveillance of antibiotic consumption and antimicrobial resistance generated rates; prevention of health-care-associated infections and transmission of multidrug-resistant bacteria and environmental dissemination; rapid microbiological diagnosis; and curtailed clinical and veterinary misuse. Fortunately, combating antimicrobial resistance has been highly valued and supported by the government, scientists and entrepreneurs of various countries. With the continuous introduction of new technologies, new products, and new management measures, the problem of antimicrobial resistance must be controlled and alleviated.