Battle against antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance is a global crisis that threatens public health. Recent reports of Candida auris infection (mortality rate: 30% to 60%) and Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter infections in hospitals have heightened alert in Hospital Authority, leading to stepped-up measures in tackling antimicrobial resistance.

 

Attack by superbugs

Mutate over time

Antimicrobial resistance occurs naturally over time through genetic changes. Resistant bacteria are capable of resisting previously effective antibiotics. Therefore, inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to antimicrobial resistance. When bacteria are resistant to several antibiotics, they are known as ‘multidrug-resistant organisms’ or ‘superbugs’.

If superbugs become uncontrollable…

According to the report released by the Interagency Coordination Group on Antimicrobial Resistance of World Health Organisation this April:

 

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Defense by healthcare workers

Monitor the use of antibiotics

HA rolled out Antibiotic Stewardship Programme (ASP) in 2005. A team consisted of specialists from clinical microbiology and / or infectious disease reviews the appropriate use of antibiotics and provides concurrent feedback to prescribing clinicians.

New e-Learning module to enhance knowledge on use of antibiotics

Infectious Disease Control Training Centre and the ASP Working Group have jointly developed an e-Learning module on ‘Antibiotic Prescription’ that allows frontline clinicians to recap the tips of antibiotic use in daily practice.

The module is divided into core and optional units presented in video format. Optional units include surgical prophylaxis, outpatient treatment, serious infections, healthcare-associated, community-acquired and paediatric infection. Doctors may choose suitable units according to their disciplines. Each unit has a short quiz to test your knowledge!

Enhance personal and environmental hygiene

Since 2019, an electronic platform has been set up for hospitals to review the hand hygiene compliance rate of clinical staff. In the future, hydrogen peroxide vapourisation and ultraviolet disinfection devices will be introduced in hospitals to strengthen environmental sanitation.