Aged Care Antimicrobial Use
Surveillance of antimicrobial use in Australian aged care homes shows high levels of residents receiving antimicrobials on the survey day and identifies opportunities to improve antimicrobial prescribing and the safety of care provided to older people.
The Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (Aged Care NAPS) is a standardised surveillance tool that can be used to monitor the prevalence of infections and antimicrobial use in aged care homes and multi-purpose services. Aged Care NAPS is a collaborative project between the National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS), the Guidance Group and Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS) Co-ordinating Centre. It is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
Participation in Aged Care NAPS supports these facilities to identify areas for improvement in antimicrobial use and preventing infections, which helps to reduce antimicrobial resistance. Participation also helps improve care for residents and assists the demonstration of compliance with the Australian Aged Care Quality Standards.
The Commission is working with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to promote implementation of antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control programs in aged care homes.
For more information about Aged Care NAPS and to access Aged Care NAPS reports visit the NAPS website.