Circulars
Oral and dental infections are generally managed with local dental interventions and addressing underlying risk factors, with the additional use of antimicrobials for limited indications. However, up to 80% of antimicrobials prescribed in this setting have been deemed unnecessary or not compliant with guidelines, for both therapeutic and prophylactic indications.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. It can lead to shock, multi-organ failure, and death. Sepsis can often be difficult to diagnose, and is a leading cause of mortality in hospitalised patients.
Worldwide, candidaemia is among the most common hospital-acquired infections, with an increasing incidence. There is also a growing use of systemic antifungals for the prevention and and treatment of fungal infections. Given the rising incidence of candidaemia and the use of fluconazole, optimising the quality of fluconazole prescribing is essential to preserve its effectiveness in treating serious infections, particularly for the most vulnerable patient groups.
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Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis helps reduce the development of post-procedural infections when used appropriately. Antimicrobial use in the post-procedural setting is not routinely recommended, however, the Surgical NAPS continually reports prolonged durations of antimicrobial use post-surgery.
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Topical antimicrobials play a crucial role in health care, by providing targeted and localised treatment and prevention for specific skin infections. They may include creams, ointments, gels and drops which are applied directly to skin, mucosa and eyes as well as surgical beads, cements, irrigations, soaks, sponges and washouts.
Data from the National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (NAPS) program reveals high rates of inappropriate prescribing in hospitals and high prescription volume in Residential Aged Care Facilities.
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), also known as Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease, refers to a collection of diseases that result in airflow limitation, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive asthma. Cigarette smoking is the most common risk factor for COPD. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, increase sputum production and wheeze.
COPD has consistently featured as an indication with one of the highest rates of prescribing inappropriateness and noncompliance with guidelines in the Hospital National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (NAPS).
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