IT support and digitalization are essential for a local ASP to thrive in the short and long term.

(1) Define a dedicated single point of contact in the IT department

Preferably define this person at an early stage. The IT department

• implements access to antibiotic consumption and other routine data from your local electronic patient records,
• integrates the guidelines in the electronic patient record system,
• integrates education & training resources (e-learning courses) and materials of awareness campaings (screen savers, reminders, etc.) in the IT system
• develops and implements decision support tools for the prescriptions, such as alerts (deprescription, antibiotic allergies)

(2) Promote digital transformation within the local ASP

Swissnoso and other national actors are developing a digitalisation strategy to take advantage of the rapid advances in data science. ASP leaders should follow forthcoming developments around guidance and software solutions for hospital IPC that will automate data collection and digital surveillance and thus can support local ASP. Hospitals should invest in IT interfaces between local databases and national platforms.

(3) Metrics

Monitoring trends in antimicrobial consumption and audit results can indicate whether prescribing has improved. User surveys inform about the usability of the IT support tools.
If there is no visible effect, ensure that local practice and the further development of ASP are discussed in relevant committees.

More recommendations will be prepared by 2026.