Interviews involving experts from across the health sector were conducted in April and May 2013 to investigate the context and recommendations for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in New Zealand.
Participants agreed that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important and growing public health concern, based in both hospital and community settings. Further action to combat AMR was called for, in particular an overarching national approach for AMS including the development of National Antibiotic Guidelines. Rationalising antibiotic use was also seen as a necessary medication safety and cost-efficiency measure. Some activity relating to the stewardship of antibiotics is occurring across multiple agencies, but broader and more joined-up action was recommended.
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