Comparison and benchmarking with PPS data

It is possible to use a rolling programme of PPS carried out on a monthly or annual basis either in one ward or several wards to monitor quality of prescribing and quickly respond to any issues identified.

The Antimicrobial Team in Glasgow, Scotland, have used this approach over several years and have found it helpful for highlighting problems and implementing stewardship initiatives.

Watch this video as Dr Andrew Seaton, Lead Clinician for Antimicrobial Team in Glasgow, shares his experience of using PPS in this way. Greater Glasgow and Clyde has four acute adult hospitals serving a population of 1.2 million, about a quarter of Scotland’s population.

They are fortunate to have a large antimicrobial stewardship team comprising of Dr Seaton as lead clinician as well as a lead microbiologist, antimicrobial pharmacist and six specialist pharmacists, servicing an inpatient population of 4,000.

In the video Dr Seaton refers to monitoring antibiotic use using Defined Daily Doses (DDDs) – this measure was discussed in Week 1 if you want to refresh your memory.