In May 2024, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) convened a pivotal meeting in their executive boardroom to discuss the recent laboratory assessment results concerning antibiotic use. This high-profile meeting was led by the Hospital’s CEO, Ahmed Dagane, and attended by key partners, including representatives from the International Centre for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP), who play a significant role in antibiotic stewardship.
The primary focus of the meeting was to review the feedback from a recent laboratory assessment conducted in various health facilities, which evaluated the efficacy and utilization of commonly used antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, metronidazole, and meropenem. These antibiotics are critical in treating infections and ensuring patient safety and quality care.
The study’s methodology involved a comprehensive survey conducted by a combined team of clinical and pharmaceutical experts. This survey aimed to assess the current antibiotic use patterns, identify areas of improvement, and ensure adherence to best practices in antibiotic stewardship. The clinical team collected data on patient outcomes. In contrast, the pharmaceutical team focused on prescription practices, resistance patterns, and overall antibiotic management.
Key Recommendations on Combating Antibiotic Resistance
In light of these findings, several key recommendations were put forward:
Enhanced Training Programs: There was a unanimous agreement on the need for enhanced training programs for all medical and pharmaceutical personnel. These programs will focus on antibiotic stewardship, proper prescription practices, and resistance management. Training will ensure that all staff members have the latest knowledge and skills to optimize antibiotic use.
Regular Monitoring and Feedback: The implementation of a robust monitoring and feedback mechanism was proposed. This system will enable continuous assessment of antibiotic use and provide timely feedback to healthcare providers, ensuring adherence to best practices and immediate correction of any deviations.
Strengthening Collaboration with ICAP: The partnership with ICAP was acknowledged as vital in driving improvements in antibiotic stewardship. It was decided to enhance this collaboration by integrating ICAP’s expertise in training, monitoring, and evaluation processes.
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from KUTRRH and its partners to implement these recommendations promptly. CEO Ahmed Dagane emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in antibiotic stewardship to enhance patient care and combat the threat of antibiotic resistance. The collaboration between KUTRRH and ICAP was reaffirmed as a cornerstone of this initiative, ensuring that the Hospital remains at the forefront of healthcare excellence in the region.
This proactive approach by KUTRRH and its partners is expected to significantly improve antibiotic use within the Hospital, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and a more robust healthcare system.