Report: IPC Conference Presentation by Esther Taborn, IPC Improvement Lead – NHS England
Esther Taborn delivered a presentation on the role of nursing and nurses in AMS at the recent IPC conference in Birmingham. Taborn states, “Nurses play a unique role in AMS because they are often the first point of contact for patients seeking medical care.” As such, nurses are responsible for promoting responsible antibiotic use among their patients. This includes educating patients about the risks associated with overuse or misuse of antibiotics and encouraging them to follow prescribed treatment regimens.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global challenge that requires a multifaceted approach involving various healthcare professionals. Nurses and nursing play a crucial role in AMR, from bedside care to strategic leadership. While initially hesitant, one nurse recognizes the importance of explaining why nursing is integral to tackling AMR. As they embark on their presentation, they aim to highlight the significance of nursing in AMR and how nurses contribute to optimizing patient outcomes. As Esther Taborn said, “I think we’re probably pretty central to some of this work.”
The Essence of Antimicrobial Stewardship
Antimicrobial stewardship focuses on protecting and preserving resources, ensuring their availability for future generations. The World Health Organization highlights that AMR involves hygiene, disease prevention, patient education, and diagnosis. These aspects align closely with the core responsibilities of nurses. The speaker said, “Nursing and nurses are called to reduce harm, prioritize people, and practice effectively – all of which contribute to optimizing patient outcomes.”
Nursing’s Central Role
Nursing’s importance in AMR is evident in various aspects of care. Nurses are responsible for collecting diagnostic specimens, ensuring accurate prescriptions and administration of medications, monitoring patients for adverse effects, and providing discharge counseling. Quoting the speaker, “Nurses have a huge role in taking diagnostic samples and administering the right medication at the right time. We are there at the bedside, monitoring patients 24/7.”
Nurses Driving Quality Improvement
Nurses have been at the forefront of quality improvement initiatives, which can be extended to include AMR. Studies have shown that nurses can contribute to surveillance programs and engage in quality improvement projects to address AMR effectively. As Esther Taborn said, “We need to embrace antimicrobial stewardship in our existing quality improvement efforts. Nurses can play a pivotal role in this integration.”
Overcoming Barriers
While nurses possess the potential to make significant contributions to AMR, several barriers exist. Some nurses may lack sufficient experience, and hierarchical structures within healthcare organizations can impede progress. Additionally, siloed working practices hinder collaboration. Strong nursing leadership is crucial in breaking down these barriers and fostering a culture of engagement. Quoting the speaker, “Nurses must step forward, overcome self-doubt, and actively participate in antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.”
The Role of Systems and Integrated Care
Integrated Care Systems and Boards have a chief nurse and medical director who are essential in driving AMR initiatives. Considering the significant impact of AMR on health inequalities and outcomes, AMR must become a central focus within these systems. Quoting the speaker, “AMR must be integrated into the strategic objectives of Integrated Care Systems to reduce health inequalities and improve patient outcomes effectively.”
Aligning AMR with National Priorities
AMR aligns closely with the goals outlined in the NHS England operating framework and the Long-Term Plan. By reducing infections, healthcare costs can be reduced, patient safety improved, and the overall quality of care enhanced. Quoting the speaker, “If we reduce infections, there will be less need for treatment, leading to lower resistance, costs, and improved patient safety.”
Conclusion
Nurses and nursing have an indispensable role to play in combating AMR. From the bedside to strategic leadership positions, nurses are at the forefront of providing high-quality care, preventing infections, educating patients, and optimizing treatment outcomes. To achieve the ambitious goals set forth by healthcare systems, nursing’s involvement in AMR must be recognized and supported. As the speaker said, “Nursing’s contribution to AMR is essential for achieving optimal patient outcomes and reducing health inequalities. Let us embrace this responsibility and drive positive change.”
