Policy brief : optimising antimicrobial usage in paediatric inpatient hospital settings

Abstract

This policy brief document utilised an original published study from three academic hospitals in South Africa (SA) and all relevant published literature to develop recommendations on several strategies, summarised by the acronym ‘PRACTICE’, to optimise antimicrobial prescribing practices. These include implementing standardised policies for empirical antimicrobial use, routine review of antimicrobial therapy, age-specific antimicrobial stewardship programmes and continued collaborative efforts and research. Individualised treatment plans, improved infection prevention and control measures, ongoing surveillance and exploring electronic technology for antimicrobial stewardship are also crucial in combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance and improving patient outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as SA.