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Expert Review

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Summary:
This document expands on the key elements of the strategy outlined in the government’s response to the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology Report “Resistance to antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents”The plan includes background information to the problems of antimicrobial resistance, and states the overarching aims of the Governments strategy, the basis of control and objectives grouped into eight action areas. It is intended to cover work from 2000/03 and be reviewed and updated as developments occur.There is a section concerned with how the Government intends to deliver on the Strategy to meet its aims and objectives: -· General: To gain commitment, focus and co0ordination· Surveillance: To establish and maintain systems in the UK and as part of a wider international network to improve data and information on antimicrobial resistant organisms and illness · Prudent antimicrobial use in humans: To promote optimal prescribing in clinical practice· Prudent antimicrobial use in animals: To promote optimal prescribing, to reduce unnecessary and inappropriate use for non therapeutic use in animals and to use the regulatory framework to improve optimal antimicrobial prescribing (in the UK and Europe) where appropriate· Prudent antimicrobial use in other spheres· Infection control: To strengthen IC practice and processes in primary and secondary care and promote collaboration between EU Member States and the WHO· Information Technology: Development of IT systems must take account of the needs of antimicrobial resistance surveillance, prescribing and allow international co-operation in this field· Research: To promote a co-ordinated programme and encourage development of relevant new technologiesThe document also outlines how the work will be taken forward by an interdepartmental steering group.
Questions Addressed:
The document outlines the development of the Governments strategy to tackle the problems of antimicrobial resistance and the rationale, objectives and key actions required.
Type of Study:
Policy report and review of recommendations from previous national and international reports
Methods Valid:
Yes
Methods Valid Detail:

Needs to be read with the documents included in the reference lists to be meaningful.

Results Reliability:
The report includes a list of key players such as Government Departments, organisations, groups and individuals with an interest in the strategy but it is not clear if they contributed to the final report. It would have been useful to have timescale for each action and the report refers to organisations that have since changed such as PHLS – now HPA
Problems or Biases:

No new scientific evidence given in the report but is based on recommendations from the Standing medical Committee in it’s report “The Path of Least Resistance” and recommendations from the World health organisation’s former Division of Emerging and other Communicable Diseases Surveillance and Control, the European Conference on “The Microbial Threat” in Copenhagen in September 1998 and the World health Assembly Resolution of May 1998

Relevant Studies:
Keywords:
antimicrobial resistance antimicrobial agents key actions action plan prevalence Infection control surveillance antimicrobial use in animals
Reviewer Name:
Sue Wiseman
Reviewer Post:
Nurse Consultant –Infection Control, DH
Reviewer Affiliations:
Member Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens Health Protection Adviser Royal College of Nursing P/T Member Infection Control Nurses Association