Tools and challenges in the use of routine clinical data for antimicrobial resistance surveillance

The article titled explores the complexities and potential of utilizing routine clinical microbiology data for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance.

Key Points:

• Importance of Routine Data: Routine clinical microbiology data, especially from hospitals in high-income countries, serve as a valuable resource for AMR surveillance. When aggregated, these data can inform on the prevalence of resistance to specific antibiotics, guide empiric therapy, and support infection control measures.

• Challenges in Data Utilization: Despite their value, the availability and quality of routine microbiology data vary significantly across different settings. Challenges include inconsistent data standards, fragmented data systems, and the need for effective linkage between microbiology, clinical, and pharmacy data.

• Need for Data Standards and Tools: The article emphasizes the necessity for agreed-upon data standards and the development of tools that facilitate data collection, aggregation, and sharing at both facility and public health levels.

• Emerging Solutions: Open-source technical solutions are emerging to address these challenges, aiming to improve hospital-level data collection and integration. These tools are crucial for enhancing the utility of routine data in AMR surveillance.

• Global Policy Context: The discussion is framed within the context of global health policy, referencing the 2024 United Nations General Assembly’s political declaration on AMR, which sets a target of a 10% reduction in deaths associated with bacterial AMR by 2030.

In conclusion, while routine clinical microbiology data hold significant promise for AMR surveillance, realizing their full potential requires addressing technical challenges, standardizing data practices, and implementing supportive tools and policies.