Regional resistance data must be taken into account for empiric antimicrobial prescription. They should also be used in the development of local antimicrobial treatment guidelines.

(1) Ensure the hospital has access to statistics on local antimicrobial susceptibility for the most common pathogenic bacteria

Possible data sources are:

• The associated microbiology laboratory.

• ANRESIS, the Swiss Centre for Antibiotic Resistance, provides regional and national resistance data in a database query interface and in a filterable graphic matrix. Furthermore, hospitals can request susceptibility statistics based on local resistance data.

• Infect.swiss, the interface for empirical antimicrobial chemotherapy (INFECT Association) provides regional and national susceptiliy data in a filterable graphic matrix online.

(2) Ensure the susceptibility statistics are user-friendly and used

Susceptibility statistics are available to prescribers at the point of care and presented in a user-friendly way (e.g. matrix table). Prescribers use susceptibility statistics.

(3) Ensure susceptibility statistics are up-to-date

A process to update susceptibility statistics (PLEASE COMMENT on frequency: yearly, every 2-3 years?) is implemented.

(4) Metrics

Monitoring trends in antimicrobial consumption and audit results can indicate whether prescribing has improved. Access statistics can give hints as to whether susceptibility data are used.
If there is no visible effect, ensure that local practice and the further development of ASP are discussed in relevant committees.

More tools for antimicrobial resistance statistics are being prepared and will be offered by 2026.