AMR and health inequalities data

7 items 2 sources

Link between antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and health inequalities, with limited routine data collection on this issue.

AMR and health inequalities data has been flagged across 2 independent accountability sources:

5 inquiry recs 2 PFD reports

This issue has been identified by multiple independent accountability bodies, suggesting it is a recurring systemic concern.

Recommendation: Health Boards should ensure that changes in policy and/or guidance on antimicrobial practice issued by or on behalf of Scottish Government are implemented without delay.

Gov response: Section 2.1 of the Scottish Government's response outlines that the HAI Taskforce develops guidelines to improve antimicrobial prescribing practices, including an antimicrobial prescribing policy for Scotland and the Scottish Management of Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan …

Recommendation: Scottish Government should monitor the implementation of policies and/or guidance on antibiotic prescribing issued in connection with healthcare associated infection.

Gov response: Section 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 …

Recommendation: Health Boards should ensure that any patient with suspected CDI receives full clinical assessment by senior medical staff, that specific antibiotic therapy for CDI is commenced timeously.

Gov response: Section 4.1 of the Scottish Government's response acknowledges that recommendation 37 addresses delays in diagnosing and treating C. diff infection. Section 2.1 details that Scotland's Health Protection Network published C. diff guidance, revised in 2014, …

Recommendation: Health Boards should ensure that the key principles of prudent antibiotic prescribing are adhered to and that implementation of policy is rigorously monitored by management.

Gov response: Section 2.1 of the Scottish Government's response emphasizes the major role of prudent antibiotic prescribing in HAI prevention and control. The HAI Taskforce addresses this by developing guidelines, including an antimicrobial prescribing policy for Scotland …

Recommendation: Health Boards should ensure that there is no unnecessary delay in processing laboratory specimens, in reporting positive results and in commencing specific antibiotic treatment.

Gov response: Section 3.2 of the Scottish Government's response highlights that NHS board antimicrobial management teams (AMTs) drive comprehensive approaches to education on antimicrobial stewardship for clinical staff and promote application of antimicrobial policies. Section 4.2 details …

Concerns: Search engines readily return websites selling addictive prescription medications, indicating a failure in monitoring online supply chains and detecting criminal financial enterprises.

Concerns: A general lack of awareness among hospital staff and GPs about the importance of GDH positive results, which indicate Clostridium Difficile vulnerability, risks inappropriate antibiotic prescribing.