On any given day, a patient comes to a healthcare facility with throat pain or high fever, hoping to get effective treatment and be cured. With increasing rates of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), treatment options are diminishing, and the hopes of many are dashed as several bacteria are increasingly becoming resistant and available antibiotics no longer work. With an increasing number of immunosuppressed patients and complicated surgical patients to care for in the hospitals, growing antimicrobial resistance has been impacting clinical outcomes.
Similar to the expected access to clean water and air, we have taken antibiotics for granted for too long. Since the discovery of penicillin in 1928, antibiotics have significantly improved global health. Indeed, they have been a cornerstone of modern medicine, including advanced surgical procedures. However, decades of overuse and misuse of antibiotics have accelerated the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria, research has also shown that a high proportion of antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary or inappropriately prescribed.
At Aster Medcity we take our commitment to Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) very seriously. We practice an integrated approach to AMS, combining clinical infectious diseases, infection control, microbiology, and clinical pharmacy inputs – all implemented using the unique 'Handshake Model'.
Our AMS Team comprises of –
Dr Anup R Warrier, DNB (Med), FRCP, FIDSA
AMS Program Lead & Senior Consultant in Infectious Diseases
Dr Arun Wilson, MD
Senior Specialist - Infectious Diseases
Dr Sneha, MD
Fellow in Infectious Diseases
Dr Rachana Babu, MD
Consultant - Microbiology
Dr Shilpa Prakash, Pharma D
Clinical Pharmacist
To improve patient outcomes and reduce resistance, we have implemented an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program. We are committed to AMS by practising the following activities-
- Prescription record keeping. The dose, duration and route of every antibiotic prescription are documented in the medical record for every patient.
- Antibiotic "time-out." At 72 hours after antibiotic initiation or first dose in Aster Medcity, each patient is reassessed for the consideration of antibiotic need, duration, selection, and de-escalation potential. At this time, laboratory testing results, response to therapy, patient condition, and facility needs (e.g., outbreak situation) are also considered. Completion of an antibiotic time-out is recorded in the patient records. This is done by a dedicated AMS Team comprising of ID Physician/ID-Fellow, Clinical Microbiologist and Clinical Pharmacist.
- Use of Rapid Diagnostics to limit the use of broad-spectrum empiric antibiotics in serious respiratory infections and bloodstream infections.
It is my sincere hope, the steps taken at Aster Medcity will help optimize the use of antibiotics. Even though our time is running out, we still have a window of opportunity to turn the tide on AMR and ensure continued effective treatment of bacterial infections for future generations.
Time to Act is Now!
Dr. Harish Pillai
CEO - Aster India
Aster DM Healthcare
