Audits provide essential information on the quality of prescriptions. They are ideally framed as a quality improvement strategy and are conducted within a supportive environment. Audits should primarily target reductions in antibiotic initiations, prolonged antibiotic duration, and/or the unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

(1) Ensure that the hospital participates in national surveillance (point prevalence study, PPS, and surgical site infection surveillance, SSI).

Critical review of surveillance results on antimicrobial use is a very useful ASP activity. This data provides a snapshot on prevalence and trends in antimicrobial use over time.

(2) Ensure ICU rounds with the participation of specialists

Ensure that infectious diseases specialist, microbiologist or hospital pharmacist participate in ICU rounds and are providing feedback on antimicrobial prescriptions.

(3) Ensure local practice and use of antimicrobials are discussed 

Ensure that outcomes regarding the local practice and use of antimicrobials are discussed with prescribers.

(4) Metrics

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

Specific antimicrobial prescription audit tools (prospective / retrospective) are being prepared and will be offered by 2026