Page 180 - policy and procedure infection control

Policies and Procedures on Infection Control

12. PRINCIPLES OF ANTIBIOTIC SURVEILLANCE

12.1 Introduction
One of the major issue in our health care today is that of controlling the increase in
antimicrobial resistance. Although multiple factors play a role in this problem, the selective
pressures of inappropriate and widespread use of antimicrobials are considered as major
contributors.

12.2 Establish a system
The establishment of a system to monitor antimicrobial use and responding to the data, in
the context of external benchmarking has been a successful way to create changes in
antimicrobial practice (Scott et al, 2002). Therefore, monitoring antimicrobial use or
antimicrobial surveillance will serve as a tool for:
• Comparison in antimicrobial use within MOH by having national benchmark data
(aggregated from all hospitals).
• Determine and identify antimicrobial use of concern that necessitate for a an audit/
feedback report
• Identify and develop strategies to improve antimicrobial control through multidisplinary
efforts involving Infectious Disease Physicians/Clinicians, Clinical Microbiologist/
Microbiologist, Pharmacist and Infection Control Nurses.

12.3 Surveillance on antimicrobial use
12.3.1 Antibiotic classes for antimicrobial surveillance
Antimicrobial surveillance for four types of antibiotic, from four different classes,
was conducted in fifteen major hospitals within MOH since 2001. At present,
there are 14 additional antimicrobial monitored, total of 18, as listed below :

1. Cephalosporin
• Cefuroxime
• Ceftriaxone
• Cefoperazone
• Ceftazidime
• Cefotaxime
• Cefoperazone/sulbactam
• Cefepime

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