Antibiotic prescribing monitoring
Scottish Government should monitor the implementation of policies and/or guidance on antibiotic prescribing issued in connection with healthcare associated infection.
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedSection 2.1 of the Scottish Government's response details several mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of antibiotic prescribing policies. The HAI Taskforce established the Controlling Antimicrobial Resistance in Scotland Group to oversee activity and produce outcome measures for the Scottish Management of Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan 2014-18. Furthermore, the Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group works with NHS board teams to maintain stewardship activities, and its reports, such as the January 2015 publication, provide figures on decreases in antibiotic prescriptions, demonstrating ongoing monitoring of prescribing practices.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
SAPG monitors implementation of antibiotic prescribing policies nationally. Prescribing data published through Public Health Scotland. By January 2015 SAPG reported 5.4% decrease in primary care antibiotic prescriptions and 12.7% reduction in antibiotics that increase C. difficile risk.
View detailed findings
Continuous monitoring through national surveillance system. SAPG celebrated 15 years of operation in 2023. Antimicrobial stewardship is Standard 5 in the HIS IPC Standards 2022.
Scottish Government monitoring implementation of antibiotic prescribing policies. Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group report (January 2015) showed 5.4% decrease in primary care antibiotic prescriptions and 12.7% reduction in antibiotics that increase C. difficile risk (2013 vs 2012).
View detailed findings
Antimicrobial Prescribing Group established as national monitoring body for antibiotic prescribing. Annual reporting on prescribing trends and C. difficile risk reduction published.