Antimicrobial Prescribing Policy
Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
Version
7
Name of responsible (ratifying) committee
Infection Prevention and Control Management
Committee and Antimicrobial Management Group
Date ratified
14 May 2015
Document Manager (job title)
Infection Control Doctor and Trust Antimicrobial
Pharmacist
Date issued
17 July 2015
Review date
16 July 2017
Electronic location
Policies, Infection Prevention and Control
Related Procedural Documents
Antimicrobial Strategy
Key Words (to aid with searching)
Antimicrobial prescribing
Version Tracking
Version
Date Ratified
Brief Summary of Changes
Author
7
14th May 2015
Modified to include microguide
Dr S Wyllie
Antimicrobial Prescribing Policy
Issue Number: 7
Issue Date: 17 July 2015
Review Date: 16 July 2017 (unless requirements change)
Page 1 of 11
CONTENTS
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE....................................................................................................... 3
1. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................... 4
2. PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................... 4
3. SCOPE ........................................................................................................................................ 4
4. DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................................................. 5
5. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .............................................................................................. 6
6. PROCESS ................................................................................................................................... 6
7. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................................... 8
8. REFERENCES AND ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION ............................................................ 8
9. EQUALITY IMPACT STATEMENT .............................................................................................. 8
10. MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH, AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF, PROCEDURAL
DOCUMENTS ............................................................................................................................ 10
Antimicrobial Prescribing Policy
Issue Number: 7
Issue Date: 17 July 2015
Review Date: 16 July 2017 (unless requirements change)
Page 2 of 11
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
For quick reference the guide below is a summary of actions required. This does not negate the need
for the document author and others involved in the process to be aware of and follow the detail of this
policy.
1. All antimicrobial prescribing should be rational, appropriate and safe
2. Antimicrobial therapy should only be started with clear clinical justification which should be
documented in the patient’s clinical notes. The prescription should be compliant with Trust
empirical guidance i.e. “start smart”
3. Always culture (blood, sputum, urine etc) as appropriate prior to commencing or changing
antibiotics
4. Antimicrobials should be started promptly on suspicion of infection, and within one hour of
diagnosis of severe sepsis and potentially life-threatening infection
5. Review antimicrobial therapy daily with culture results and clinical progress
6.
Switch intravenous therapy to oral as soon as possible based on clinical response
7.
Stop antibiotics as soon as possible based on clinical response and culture results
8. After 48 hours a clear plan of action should be made. The five “Antimicrobial prescribing
decisions” are to stop, switch, change, continue or OPAT
9. Always check antimicrobial dosage in presence of renal or hepatic dysfunction and
compatibility with other medication in the current edition of the British National Formulary
10. For all patients labeled as penicillin allergic, establish history and assess risk.
Cephalosporins and Carbapenems may be given if minor allergy e.g. rash but not for patients
with documented anaphylactic response
11. Support for antimicrobial prescribing is available from the antimicrobial pharmacist on bleep
1973 or from microbiology ext 1718. A consultant-led microbiology service is available 24
hours a day, 7 days a week.
12. Empirical antimicrobial prescribing guidance is available on Microguide, a downloadable app
which is also on the Trust intranet site.
Antimicrobial Prescribing Policy
Issue Number: 7
Issue Date: 17 July 2015
Review Date: 16 July 2017 (unless requirements change)
Page 3 of 11
1. INTRODUCTION
Appropriate use of antimicrobials may be life-saving, but unnecessary overuse may be fatal and is
contributing to the ever-increasing burden of antimicrobial resistance. Many healthcare-associated
infections are precipitated by inappropriate antibiotic use e.g. Clostridium difficile, the leading cause
of nosocomial diarrhoea. Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing has been shown to contribute to MRSA
acquisition.
Prudent use of antimicrobials is essential in the control of development of antimicrobial resistance
and in the control of healthcare associated infections.
Antibiotic resistant organisms are more difficult to treat (and may be untreatable), they prolong
hospital admission and often cause increased morbidity and mortality.
The World Health Organisation and many countries worldwide including the UK have produced
strategies for the containment of antimicrobial resistance. Prudent antimicrobial use, along with
infection control and improved cleanliness, surveillance of antimicrobial resistance with feedback to
providers, education of professionals and the public, and making healthcare associated infection a
key feature of quality and patient safety programs are all key areas for the prevention and
containment of antimicrobial resistance.
This document sets out the aims for antimicrobial prescribing within PHT.
This policy has the full support of microbiology, pharmacy and infection prevention and control.
2. PURPOSE
This policy defines the processes to ensure that antimicrobial prescribing within PHT is prudent,
appropriate and safe.
Proposed outcomes
 By adhering to this policy, antimicrobial prescribing within the Trust will be prudent, safe and
appropriate, and based on the antibiotic susceptibility of diagnosed or likely pathogens.
 Prescribing and education on the diagnosis, management and treatment of infection will be
supported by microbiology / infection experts in liaison with pharmacy and infection
prevention and control.
 Use of intravenous antimicrobials will be minimised thereby minimising cannula-related
infections including nosocomial bacteraemias.
 Use of antimicrobials especially broad spectrum antibacterials will be minimised thereby
reducing the selection pressure for the development of resistant pathogens and for the
development of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, particularly C difficile.
 Antimicrobial prescribing practice will be supported by active surveillance and education
provided by microbiology and infection control in liaison with pharmacy.
3. SCOPE
This policy applies to all prescribers of antimicrobial agents within PHT.
‘In the event of an infection outbreak, flu pandemic or major incident, the Trust recognises that it
may not be possible to adhere to all aspects of this document. In such circumstances, staff
should take advice from their manager and all possible action must be taken to maintain ongoing
patient and staff safety’
Antimicrobial Prescribing Policy
Issue Number: 7
Issue Date: 17 July 2015
Review Date: 16 July 2017 (unless requirements change)
Page 4 of 11
4. DEFINITIONS
Antibacterial agent
A substance which selectively inhibits the growth of bacteria (bacteriostatic) or selectively kills
bacteria (bacteriocidal)
Antibiotic
A substance produced by a micro-organism which is antagonistic to the growth or life of others in
high dilution. Many antimicrobial agents are now synthetically or semi-synthetically synthesized and
are thus not true antibiotics. Nevertheless the term antibiotic is widely used to refer to an
antimicrobial.
Antimicrobial agent
A drug which is antagonistic to the growth or life of infectious pathogens, whether these are
bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites
Audit
The process of assessing current practices in comparison to a recognised standard
Health Protection Agency
Formerly the Public Health Laboratory Service, a national agency whose role is to protect the public
from infection and other hazards.
Hospital-acquired, healthcare associated or nosocomial infection
Infection acquired in healthcare institutions.
Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT)
A group of experienced staff responsible for advising on hospital infection prevention and control.
The IPCT has direct access to the Director of Infection Prevention and Control and is responsible to
the Infection Prevention and Control Management Committee (IPCMC)
Microbiology
The study of micro-organisms
Microbiologist
A medical doctor qualified in the diagnosis, management and prevention of infection
Microbiology ward round
Also known as an antimicrobial ward round. This is a regular multi-disciplinary ward round
undertaken by a microbiologist or infection specialist and a pharmacist and with a clinician who has
responsibility for the patient. A member of the infection control team or a trainee microbiologist or
pharmacist may also be present. The purpose of the ward round is to clinically assess the
appropriateness of the antimicrobials prescribed for individual patients. All assessments take into
account the current clinical situation and investigation results including any microbiology findings.
Any recommendation to change the antimicrobials prescribed is discussed with the clinical staff on
the wards and documented in the medical notes. The prescription chart may be actively changed
by the microbiologist.
Out-patient Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT)
A service provided by infection specialists to provide out-patient intravenous antimicrobial therapy
Pharmacist
Person qualified in the delivery, action and side-effects of medicinal drugs
Antimicrobial Prescribing Policy
Issue Number: 7
Issue Date: 17 July 2015
Review Date: 16 July 2017 (unless requirements change)
Page 5 of 11
5. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

All prescribers have a duty to comply with current antimicrobial prescribing guidance available
on the intranet and in the British National Formulary. All prescribers should carry the
empirical antimicrobial prescribing guide behind their Trust ID badge

All prescribers must assess the patient’s current clinical condition and current medications,
their renal and liver function and any history of allergy before prescribing an antimicrobial
agent
All prescribers must review their prescriptions on a regular (preferably daily) basis and
rationalise any antimicrobial prescription according to the clinical state of the patient and the
microbiology results









Pharmacists will review all prescription charts on a regular, mostly daily, basis
The antimicrobial pharmacist will coordinate the antimicrobial / microbiology ward rounds,
liaise with microbiology and the infection prevention and control team with regards most
appropriate treatment of infection and coordinate audits to assess compliance with the policy
and Trust prescribing guidelines
The microbiologists will carry out regular multi-disciplinary ward rounds with pharmacy with
the aim of improving antimicrobial prescribing and providing interactive education on the
wards
The microbiology laboratory will deliver a timely, accurate, appropriate and efficient service
The IPCT will work with Matrons, Clinical Directors, clinical leads, heads of specialties and
infection control link persons to improve adherence to infection prevention and control
guidelines and policies
Results and actions from any audit of antimicrobial prescribing will be reported to the Director
of Infection Prevention and Control via the Infection Prevention and Control Management
Committee and Antimicrobial Management Group
All staff have a duty of care to the patients and themselves to ensure they deliver high
standards of infection control practice including antimicrobial prescribing practice at all times.
Wherever there is deficiency in their knowledge or experience this must be highlighted to the
department/ward manager who is responsible for ensuring the member of staff receives the
appropriate training, education or advice
Matron, Clinical Directors, clinical leads and heads of specialties have a duty of care to
ensure that staff receive education on all aspects of infection prevention and control which
relate to their workforce’s job
6. PROCESS
1. PATIENT SAFETY
Antimicrobial prescribing within PHT is prudent, appropriate and safe for both the patient and the
environment. Antimicrobials will be used wisely. Patients will not be exposed to unnecessary
antimicrobial therapy. Antibiotics must not be started in the absence of clinical evidence of bacterial
infection.
2. DOCUMENTATION OF CLINICAL NEED TO PRESCRIBE ANTIMICROBIALS
The clinical indication, duration or review date, route of administration and dose all need to be
clearly documented on the prescription chart and in the medical notes. Empirical antimicrobial
prescribing should follow advice in the “Microguide” which is available on the front page of the
intranet or is free to download to Apple and Android smartphones.
3. CORRECT DOSING AND ADMINISTRATION
Antimicrobials will be administered at the most appropriate dose for treatment of infection taking into
account modifications required for renal and/or liver dysfunction. Antibacterials must be started
within one hour if a patient is suspected as having severe sepsis or septic shock or neutropaenic
sepsis. All aminoglycoside and glycopeptide antimicrobials will be administered and monitored
Antimicrobial Prescribing Policy
Issue Number: 7
Issue Date: 17 July 2015
Review Date: 16 July 2017 (unless requirements change)
Page 6 of 11
according to local Trust guidelines. Antimicrobials will be administered via the most appropriate
route for the clinical presentation.
4. MICROBIOLOGY SUPPORT FOR ANTIMICROBIAL PRESCRIBING
Appropriate microbiological samples will be taken prior to the commencement of antimicrobial
therapy. The results of these cultures will be used to rationalise the empirical prescription in the
individual, to guide future empirical therapy advice and for surveillance purposes. Appropriate
antimicrobial sensitivity testing will be carried out by the laboratory on clinical specimens received.
A range of sensitivities will be released allowing the clinician a reasonable choice of targeted
antibiotic treatments.
5. REVIEW OF ANTIMICROBIAL PRESCRIPTIONS WITH CLEAR PRESCRIBING PLAN BY
48 HOURS
By 48 hours a clear antimicrobial prescribing plan should document whether antimicrobial therapy is
to continue, change, stop, switch or be delivered by OPAT, i.e. an antimicrobial prescribing
decision must be made and documented in the clinical notes by 48 hours. This plan will be guided
by clinical progress and results of investigations including blood and culture results. Intravenous to
oral switch must be considered wherever possible so avoiding the risks associated with intravenous
cannulation including iatrogenic bloodstream infection and thrombosis.
6. PREFERENTIAL USE OF NARROW SPECTRUM ANTIMICROBIALS
Antimicrobial therapy should be targeted to treat the specific infection using as narrow-spectrum an
antimicrobial agent as is possible. Certain broad spectrum or tertiary antibacterials will only be
prescribed with microbiology approval (see appendix 1; Restricted antimicrobial agents).
7. APPROPRIATE DURATION OF THERAPY
Antimicrobials will be prescribed for as short a time period as possible. The duration of
antimicrobial therapy depends on the infecting organism(s), the site of the infection, the patient’s
own immune response and other additional features such as surgical and medical interventions.
Each antimicrobial prescription needs to be assessed on a daily basis and the review documented
in the clinical notes.
8. AVAILABLE GUIDANCE FOR ANTIMICROBIAL PRESCRIBING
Antimicrobials will be prescribed following referenced guidelines which are available to the
prescriber at the point of care as the Microguide app. These guidelines will be evidence based and
written by a clinician with expertise in the area with local epidemiological knowledge. Further advice
on antimicrobial prescribing can be obtained from the British National Formulary.
9. SUPPORT AND EDUCATION FOR MANAGEMENT OF INFECTION
Antimicrobial prescribing is supported by regular (usually weekly) antimicrobial ward rounds carried
out by microbiology in liaison with pharmacy across all acute clinical areas. Education to the junior
doctors will be provided on these ward rounds.
A regular program of infection updates is included in the F1/F2 junior doctor’s training.
Education to senior clinicians will take place via core training programs and annual infection control
updates.
In addition, infection advice is available from a consultant microbiologist 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week.
Requirements for fulfilment of policy
 Sufficient numbers of qualified pharmacists to allow all prescription charts to be reviewed on a
regular basis
 1.0 WTE band 8a pharmacist(s) acting as the lead antimicrobial pharmacist(s) for the Trust
 Adequately resourced microbiology laboratory with quality assurance procedures in place.
 Sufficient numbers of microbiologists or infection specialists to allow regular antimicrobial
ward rounds. Royal College of Pathologists guidance from 2001 states that for our current
population (520,000) and renal specialist services there should be 4.0 WTE consultant
Antimicrobial Prescribing Policy
Issue Number: 7
Issue Date: 17 July 2015
Review Date: 16 July 2017 (unless requirements change)
Page 7 of 11



microbiologists. This guidance predates the expansion of Infection Prevention targets. There
are currently 3.45 WTE consultant microbiologists
Adequately resourced infection prevention and control team to support education and
surveillance on antimicrobial resistance and nosocomial infection.
Access for all staff in all clinical areas to computer-based and paper-based up-to-date
guidelines and current copies of the British National Formulary.
Senior clinical support in all clinical areas to allow regular (mostly daily) review of all
antimicrobial therapy
7. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS



All antimicrobial prescribers need to familiarize themselves with the Antimicrobial prescribing
guidelines available on the intranet and downloadable as a Microguide App.
All new medical staff will receive antimicrobial prescribing guidance from the Trust’s
antimicrobial pharmacist at induction and will be advised to use the Microguide App. for
antimicrobial prescribing guidance and advised on 24 hour service 7 days a week from the
medical microbiologists
All medical staff need to complete an annual update on infection prevention and control which
includes emphasis on appropriate antimicrobial prescribing
8. REFERENCES AND ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION
1. Livermore DM. Has the era of untreatable infections arrived? J Antimicrob Chemother.
2009;64(Suppl 1):29-36
2. Hawkey, P., Jones, A. The Changing Epidemiology of Resistance. J Antimicrob Chemother.
2009; 64:Suppl 1:i3–10
3. Department of Health’s advisory committee on Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare
associated Infection (ARHAI), Antimicrobial stewardship “Start smart, then focus”, November
2011
4. Davey, P., E. Brown, L. Fenelon, R. Finch, I. Gould, G. Hartman, A. Holmes, C. Ramsay, E.
Taylor, M. Wilcox, and P. Wiffen. 2005. Interventions to improve antibiotic prescribing
practices for hospital inpatients. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev.19:CD003543
5. Dellit TH, Owens RC, McGowan JE et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America and the
Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Guidelines for Developing an Institutional
Program to Enhance Antimicrobial Stewardship. Clin Infect Dis. 2007;44:159-77.
6. Department of Health Chief Medical Officer. Winning ways: Working together to reduce
healthcare associated infection in England. London: Department of health, 2003.
7. World Health Organisation (2001). WHO Global Strategy for containment of antimicrobial
resistance. WHO, Geneva, Switzerland.
8. Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for the Management of Severe Sepsis
and Septic Shock 2012. Dellinger RP et al. and the surviving sepsis campaign guideline
committee including the paediatric subgroup. Critical Care Medicine 2013; 41(2): 580-637
9. EQUALITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to ensuring that, as far as is reasonably practicable,
the way we provide services to the public and the way we treat our staff reflects their individual
needs and does not discriminate against individuals or groups on any grounds.
This policy has been assessed accordingly
Antimicrobial Prescribing Policy
Issue Number: 7
Issue Date: 17 July 2015
Review Date: 16 July 2017 (unless requirements change)
Page 8 of 11
Our values are the core of what Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust is and what we cherish. They are
beliefs that manifest in the behaviours our employees display in the workplace.
Our Values were developed after listening to our staff. They bring the Trust closer to its vision to be
the best hospital, providing the best care by the best people and ensure that our patients are at the
centre of all we do.
We are committed to promoting a culture founded on these values which form the ‘heart’ of our
Trust:
Respect and dignity
Quality of care
Working together
No waste
This policy should be read and implemented with the Trust Values in mind at all times.
Antimicrobial Prescribing Policy
Issue Number: 7
Issue Date: 17 July 2015
Review Date: 16 July 2017 (unless requirements change)
Page 9 of 11
10. MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH PROCEDURAL DOCUMENTS
Minimum requirement to be
monitored
Lead
A minimum of 2 antimicrobial
prescribing audits will be carried out
each year under the supervision of
the antibiotic pharmacist and the
Consultant Microbiologists.
Consultant
Microbiologist
&
Pharmacist
Twice yearly
An annual Trust wide point
prevalence audit will be carried out
by microbiology and pharmacy.
Consultant
Microbiologist
&
Pharmacist
Yearly
Consultant
Microbiologist
&
Pharmacist
Twice yearly
A minimum of 2 antimicrobial
prescribing audits will be carried out
each year under the supervision of
the antibiotic pharmacist and the
Consultant Microbiologists.
Tool
Frequency of
Report of
Compliance
Reporting
arrangements
Policy audit
report to:

IPMC

AMG
Policy audit
report to:

IPMC

AMG
Policy audit
report to:

IPMC

AMG
Lead(s) for acting
on
Recommendations
Dr S Wyllie
Dr S Wyllie
Dr S Wyllie
This document will be monitored to ensure it is effective and to assurance compliance
Suggested audit targets are outlined below.
 90-100% of antimicrobials prescribed are clinically warranted
 90-100% of antimicrobial use is documented in the patient’s notes
 90-100% of antimicrobial prescribing is in accordance with local guidelines
 90-100% of antimicrobials prescribed are prescribed at the correct dose
 90-100% of antimicrobials prescribed are prescribed via the most appropriate route with
intravenous to oral switch following local guidance
 90-100% of antimicrobials prescribed which require blood levels are monitored appropriately
 0-10% of antimicrobials are prescribed for longer than is necessary
 90-100% of patients and their prescription charts are reviewed daily by the clinical team
 90-100% of health care workers have an annual infection control update including antimicrobial
prescribing
Antimicrobial Prescribing Policy
Issue Number: 7
Issue Date: 17 July 2015
Review Date: 16 July 2017 (unless requirements change)
Page 10 of 11
Appendix 1:
Antimicrobial agents restricted for consultant physician approval (within 24 hours)
Ciprofloxacin (intravenous or oral)
Ertapenem
Meropenem
Antimicrobial agents restricted for consultant microbiologist approval only
Daptomycin
Linezolid
Temocillin
Tigecycline
Voriconazole
Antimicrobial Prescribing Policy
Issue Number: 7
Issue Date: 17 July 2015
Review Date: 16 July 2017 (unless requirements change)
Page 11 of 11