UKHSA Start Smart Then Focus Antimicrobial Stewardship: Effective Implementation During the COVID-19 Pandemic at an NHS Foundation Trust in the UK

Abstract

This oral presentation about UKHSA Start Smart Then Focus Antimicrobial Stewardship: Effective Implementation During the COVID-19 Pandemic at an NHS Foundation Trust in the UK. It evaluates the implementation of the 'Start Smart Then Focus' (SSTF) antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) toolkit at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust during the COVID-19 pandemic. By analysing 640 patient records from 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020 (during the pandemic), the study investigates antibiotic prescribing practices for respiratory tract infections. Key findings include a reduction in hospital stay length and consistent mortality rates, with significant changes in antibiotic allergy classifications. The study underscores the resilience of AMS practices during the pandemic and highlights the need for sustainable AMS measures in future public health crises to combat antimicrobial resistance effectively. The study aligns with the UK Next Five-Year Action PlanConfronting Antimicrobial Resistance.