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TOPIC Antimicrobial Stewardship
Domain Governance TYPE Procedure

 

1         Purpose

mobility is committed to ensuring infection prevention and control practices are in place to minimise the risk of infection to consumers and workers and the need for the use of antimicrobials. mobility is committed to the prevention, detection, and control of infections to optimise the health and well-being of consumers and workers.

 

2         Scope

Minimise infection-related risks for consumers and staff by ensuring safe practices in accordance with consumers self-determination and current standards and legislation.

Antibiotics or antimicrobials are drugs that work by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria. The widespread use of antibiotics has meant that some bacteria have evolved to be resistant to antibiotics. Antimicrobials are one of the most prescribed medicines and in Australia at least 50% of people are prescribed at least one antimicrobial per year. Research has suggested that at times, the antimicrobial is unnecessary or inappropriate – this leads to more bacteria being exposed to the drug and allowing an evolutionary response to become resistant. Limiting unnecessary antibiotic overuse, can help limit the development of antibiotic resistance

 

Definitions:

Antimicrobial Stewardship is a term used to describe a collection of activities aiming to optimise antimicrobial therapy to improve patient outcomes (through most effective treatment and prevention of infection), while limiting the impact on local microbial ecology (limiting the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in pathogens), minimising the effects of drug toxicity for patients, and minimising cost where possible (but never at the expense of quality and safety of care) (https://www.ncas-australia.org/fundamentals-of-ams).

Infection is caused by pathogens spread directly or indirection from one person to another.

Signs of infection may include:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Heat
  • New onset of pain
  • Body discharge that is yellow/brown or green
  • Offensive body odour
  • High temperature (>38 degrees)
  • Wound or skin breakdown.
  • Consumer feels unwell or has a temperature.

Infection control and prevention is a scientific approach designed to prevent harm cause by infection (World Health Organisation. Infection Prevention and Control. https://www.who.int/teams/integrated-health-services/infection-prevention-control/core-components).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to equipment used as a barrier to protect staff from cross infection. PPE is part of standard precautions and includes the use of aprons, gowns, gloves, masks, and protective eyewear.

 

3         Procedure

3.1       Prevention

Preventing infections reduces the need for antimicrobials. Workers will follow the Work Instructions, including but not limited to:

Support Workers will follow current public health orders, and any directives of mobility and the Infection Prevention and Control Procedure, including but not limited to:

  • Staying up to date with seasonal influenza and COVID vaccination program and other required vaccinations as per ATAGI guidelines.
  • Encouraging consumers to participate in vaccination programs.
  • Being aware of early signs of infection and to report these for consumers OR stay at home if unwell.
  • Handle and dispose of linen and waste using infection prevention and control guidance.
  • Appropriate environmental cleaning.

 

3.2       Advocacy

Workers can assist consumers by reporting any signs of infection early via the reporting function in the app. If they suspect a consumer is becoming unwell, they should encourage review by their General Practitioner.

They can also encourage consumers who have an active infection to take their antibiotics as directed by the health practitioner especially the completion of a course of antibiotics.

Workers can remind consumers of the free service provided by pharmacies to conduct Home Medication Reviews (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/home-medicines-review) if they are concerned about their use of any medication, including antimicrobials.

Workers who feel a consumer is showing potential signs of influenza-like-illness should encourage them to take a Rapid Antigen Test or attend a PCR testing site or seek review by their GP as soon as possible.

See online instructions in how to use a Rapid Antigen Test https://www.health.gov.au/resources/videos/coronavirus-covid-19-dr-mark-wenitong-explains-how-to-use-rapid-antigen-tests-rats

Signs of ILI include:

  • Fever
  • Shivering
  • Chills
  • Malaise
  • dry cough
  • loss of appetite
  • body aches
  • and nausea, typically in connection with a sudden onset of illness

3.3       Changes in consumer condition, risks, incidents identification and reporting

If a worker is concerned about a consumer including a suspected infection, they will follow the Incident and Complaint Work Instruction and ensure:

  • The consumer’s health needs are addressed in the first instance by providing first aid if applicable.
  • If the client is extremely unwell, organise review by a GP or call 000.
  • Contact the office on (1300 438 227), email us on agedcare@mobility.com.au, or access instant messaging help – to report and receive advice on best action.
  • Record the incident as per the workplace Incident Work Instruction in the app.

4         Related Documents

4.1       Internal

 

4.2       External

 

5         Document History

Reviewed by:          Clinical and Risk Specialist

Authorised by:         CEO

Date Adopted:

Next Review Due:

 

Version Control

Version Date Change
1 10/4/22 New

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