Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/11054/1565
Title: Sustainability of antimicrobial stewardship programs in Australian rural hospitals: a qualitative study.
Author: Bishop, Jaclyn L.
Schulz, T. R.
Kong, David C. M.
Buising, K. L.
Issue Date: 2020
Publication Title: Australian Health Review
Volume: 44
Issue: 3
Start Page: 415
End Page: 420
Abstract: Objective The aim of this study was to explore the features of sustainable antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs in Australian rural hospitals and develop recommendations on incorporating these features into rural hospitals’ AMS programs. Methods Lead AMS clinicians with knowledge of at least one AMS program sustained for >2 years in a health service in rural Australia were recruited to the study. A series of interviews was conducted and the transcripts analysed thematically using a framework method. Results Fifteen participants from various professional disciplines were interviewed. Key features that positively affected the sustainability of AMS programs in rural hospitals included a hospital executive who provided strong governance and accountability, dedicated resources, passionate local champions, area-wide arrangements and adaptability to engage in new partnerships. Challenges to building AMS programs with these features were identified, particularly in engaging hospital executive to allocate AMS resources, managing the burn out of passionate champions and formalising network arrangements. Conclusions Strategies to increase the sustainability of AMS programs in rural hospitals include using accreditation as a mechanism to drive direct resource allocation, explicit staffing recommendations for rural hospitals, greater support to develop formal network arrangements and a framework for integrated AMS programs across primary, aged and acute care. What is known about the topic? AMS programs facilitate the responsible use of antimicrobials. Implementation challenges have been identified for rural hospitals, but the sustainability of AMS programs has not been explored. What does this paper add? Factors that positively affected the sustainability of AMS programs in rural hospitals were a hospital executive that provided strong governance and accountability, dedicated resources, network or area-wide arrangements and adaptability. Challenges to building AMS programs with these features were identified. What are the implications for practitioners? Recommended actions to boost the sustainability of AMS programs in rural hospitals are required. These include using accreditation as a mechanism to drive direct resource allocation, explicit staffing recommendations for rural hospitals, greater support to develop network arrangements and support to create integrated AMS programs across acute, aged and primary care.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11054/1565
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/AH19097
Internal ID Number: 01519
Health Subject: ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP
REGIONAL OR RURAL
RURAL VICTORIA
Type: Journal Article
Article
Appears in Collections:Research Output

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