Leading an AMS Programme
The IP Lead has an essential role to play in Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) through implementing best practice in policy development and implementation in order to reduce the risk of MRO/MDROs and the effect they can have on residents’ health.
IP Lead's Role in AMS
The IP Lead will support the facility management team in the development and implementation of a robust AMS programme by
Assessing
Undertaking a facility AMS situational analysis to identify what is in place and what gaps in the programme are present
Collect available data on antimicrobial consumption and/or use, prescription audits and surveillance data
Review existing AMS competencies at the facility
Planning
Establish a sustainable AMS programme based on existing structures
Develop a facility AMS action plan that specifies the human and financial resources required
Prioritise the health-care facility core elements based on the situational analysis by identifying the immediate priorities
Identify AMS interventions
Structure AMS responsibilities by identifying which employees are suited to which tasks
Implementing
Implement AMS interventions
Offer basic and continued educational resources and training on optimised antibiotic prescribing
Auditing
Monitor and evaluate AMS interventions, adjusting the AMS programme as an when needed