Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when medicines used to fight infections lose their effectiveness because the organisms they target – whether bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites – have evolved or acquired adaptations to survive. In 2019, AMR was directly responsible for about 1.27 million deaths globally. Sustained action is required to curb inappropriate use of antibiotics, the main driver of AMR.
Good infection prevention & control (IPC), including cleanliness and prudent antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), is essential to ensure that people who use health and social care services receive safe and effective care. Effective prevention of infection must be part of everyday practice and be applied consistently by everyone. It is also a component of good antimicrobial stewardship as preventing infections helps to reduce the need for antimicrobials thus reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
Health and Social Care Act 2008: code of practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Criterion 3 – What the registered provider will need to demonstrate: Appropriate antimicrobial use and stewardship to optimise outcomes and to reduce the risk of adverse events and antimicrobial resistance.