Examining the success of a new AMS program in a regional setting.

Examining the success of a new AMS program in a regional setting.

Geraldine Freriks¹, Donna Taylor¹, Alex Tai², Tim Wendt³, ,

¹West Gippsland Healthcare Group, Warragul, VIC, Australia
²Gippsland Regional Public Health Unit, Traralgon, VIC, Australia
³Epic Pharmacy, Warragul, VIC, Australia

Introduction
The establishment of Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) programs ensure safe and effective prescribing of antimicrobials, thus significantly reduce the number of inappropriate antimicrobial use.1 Rural hospitals often have limited AMS resources in comparison to territory and large hospitals.2 We aim to examine potential challenges rural hospitals encounter in the establishment of a robust AMS programs.

Methods
In February 2023, we implemented a weekly AMS round on the Medical Ward in a new format. Active engagement of all key stakeholders, and a logistical responsibility for meeting coordination was shared. A follow up qualitative survey was distributed to stakeholders 4 months into implementation of the new round format to evaluate knowledge their experience participating in the new meeting format. A national antimicrobial prescribing survey (NAPS) was also conducted, and compared to data from the last NAPS survey prior to the new AMS round format.

Results
There was good feedback from the qualitative survey, with nearly all participants reporting that they had improved their knowledge and confidence on appropriate antimicrobial prescribing. Nurses have been the most challenging group to engage. The NAPS data also demonstrated a slight improvement in appropriate antimicrobial prescribing following implementation of the new round format. Successful key program components included ID, AMS pharmacist and IPAC.

Conclusion
Overall, active engagement by local stakeholders in implementing the current new AMS format resulted in better antimicrobial prescribing, improved staff satisfaction in the activity and improved antimicrobial prescribing. Limited AMS resources in rural hospitals should not result in incorrect prescribing.1

Biography

Geraldine Freriks is a Registered Nurse with over thirty-five years’ experience. I have worked in Oncology, Haematology & Palliative Care however, the rise in the number of CVC related infections in Oncology/Haematology patients, lead me to Infection Prevention & Control (IPAC).
I have worked in tertiary and rural hospitals and regional public health unit including, St Vincent’s and Box Hill Hospital’s, West Gippsland Healthcare Group (WGHG) and Gippsland Regional Public Unit (GRPHU).
During my five years in IPAC at WGHG my responsibilities included, managing the COVID Immunisation Clinic. I have recently returned to WGHG as the IPAC Nurse Unit Manager.