Scottish Management of Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan 2014-18 (ScotMARAP2)

Action Plan: NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) - Public Health and Intelligence (PHI), National Procurement (PCF) and Information Technology Strategic Business Units (IT SBUs)

The key role of NSS Public health Intelligence (previously NSS ISD and NSS HPS) relates to the broader public health aspects of antimicrobial resistance with a focus on containing antimicrobial resistance through collection and interpretation of health information and support clinicians to improve the quality of antimicrobial prescribing, healthcare and patient safety. PHI will continue to support the nationwide implementation of antimicrobial stewardship in all healthcare settings through the provision and interpretation of quality assured information on antimicrobial use and resistance and its interpretation, guidance and expert advice. This involves working closely with clinicians in all healthcare settings to support the implementation of effective interventions aimed at improving the quality of prescribing and minimising the further development antimicrobial resistance. PHI also provides the essential external links to sister organisations in the UK and Europe and participates in coordinated data collection on antimicrobial use and resistance and distribute alerts on new emerging threats to public health.

The key deliverables for PHI are:

• Modernisation, integration and interpretation of health information currently collected in all healthcare settings that will empower clinicians and infection specialists to develop, implement and measure the effectiveness of interventions to prevent and treat infections. (Area 5)
• Lead the development of the NHS Scotland 'Infection Intelligence Platform (IIP)' which will support clinical staff to improve patient outcome, reduce harm from infection and benefit public health. This will be achieved through accurate monitoring of antimicrobial treatment, patient outcome, and development of antimicrobial resistance and unintended consequences (i.e. adverse events); and centralised analysis and Interpretation of the integrated health information will support the development of effective interventions aimed at reducing the risk to individual patients and the population as a whole, while preserving effective antimicrobials for anti-infective therapy and prophylaxis for future generations. (Area 5)
• Lead role in development of IT-systems (in partnership with the NSS IT SBU) that will make the national datasets immediately available to clinicians at the frontline will be developed as part of this (Area 5).
• Lead the health protection coordination function for Scotland within the UK and in relation to Europe, and will be the national point of contact for the ECDC with regards to surveillance and epidemic intelligence collection around infection, antimicrobial use and resistance.(all action areas)

The role of National Procurement is delivering best value supply chain services that support Scotland's health. In the context of ScotMARAP 2 this relates to ensure the cost-effective and timely supply of antimicrobials to NHS boards to support safe and effective management of infections.

The key deliverables for National Procurement are:

• Engagement with SAPG and ASAP to support the procurement and contracting process for antimicrobials. (Areas 2 and 5)
• Communication with SAPG and ASAP regarding supply issues for antimicrobials and liaison with manufacturers to resolve supply problems. (Area 2)

Footnote: In the wider context of UK AMR action plan, PHI plays central role in coordinating national initiatives on infection prevention and control, creating public awareness through national campaigns, central partner in translational research projects on antimicrobial use and resistance, healthcare associated infections and infection prevention and control. PHI is coordinating collaboration with the veterinary sector to collect joint information on antimicrobial use and resistance in humans and animals.