Antimicrobial use and appropriateness are key factors in the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Antimicrobials are an integral component of health care delivery and must be readily available and effective. AMR significantly impacts individuals and their treatment, and the community more broadly.
Data on antimicrobial use and appropriateness in the community, in aged care homes, general practice, community health services and other non-hospital settings, are collected via the:
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and the Repatriation PBS (RPBS)
- MedicineInsight program
- Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey.
There are limited reporting mechanisms available for non-PBS/RPBS prescriptions. This is an important gap in the surveillance of antimicrobial use and appropriateness in Australia.
See the report below for further information.
