Aug 22
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Lyndon Forrest
Discover How Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs Save Lives Daily by Preventing Drug Resistance and Ensuring Effective Treatments: A Must-Read for Every Aged Care Provider
Introduction
The role of healthcare providers in aged care is not just about providing immediate care but ensuring long-term health and safety for the residents. Among the many challenges faced, combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) stands out as both a formidable and critical task. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) are at the forefront of this battle, offering a structured approach to preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics and safeguarding the health of aged care residents. In this article, we delve into how these programs are essential in saving lives daily, preventing drug resistance, and ensuring that treatments remain effective, particularly in aged care settings.
Understanding the Role of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Aged Care
In the context of aged care, antimicrobial stewardship plays a pivotal role in maintaining the delicate balance between effective treatment and the prevention of drug resistance. As residents are often more susceptible to infections and may have weakened immune systems, the judicious use of antibiotics is crucial. ASPs provide:
- A framework for making informed decisions about antibiotic use.
- Ensuring that these powerful drugs are reserved for when they are genuinely needed.
- Thus preserving their efficacy for the future.
Why Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs Matter in Aged Care
Aged care facilities are uniquely vulnerable to the spread of drug-resistant infections due to the close living quarters, frequent antibiotic use, and the presence of multiple chronic conditions in residents. Without careful management, these environments can become breeding grounds for resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial stewardship programs matter because they help mitigate this risk by promoting the responsible use of antibiotics, protecting residents from untreatable infections and improving overall care outcomes.
The Growing Threat of Drug Resistance
What is Antimicrobial Resistance, and Why Should We Worry?
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of medications that once killed them or halted their growth. This resistance renders standard treatments ineffective, leading to persistent infections that are harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat. The rise of AMR is a global health crisis, threatening to undo decades of medical progress. In aged care, where infections are common and often severe, the consequences of AMR can be particularly devastating.
How Drug Resistance Develops in Aged Care Settings
Drug resistance in aged care settings often develops due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Frequent prescriptions, sometimes given as a precaution rather than a necessity, can allow bacteria to become resistant. Additionally, incomplete courses of antibiotics, poor infection control practices, and the lack of routine monitoring contribute to developing and spreading resistant strains. These factors and residents' high vulnerability make aged care facilities a focal point in the fight against AMR.
The Impact of Drug-Resistant Infections on Residents
For the residents, drug-resistant infections can be particularly deadly. Their immune systems are often weakened, making it harder for them to fight off infections. When an infection is resistant to antibiotics, it can spread quickly and become more severe, leading to higher mortality rates. The impact on quality of life is profound, with more extended hospital stays, increased medical costs, and a greater likelihood of complications. In many cases, drug-resistant infections can lead to a decline in overall health, hastening the progression of other chronic conditions.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs: A Solution to the Crisis
What Exactly is an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program?
An antimicrobial stewardship program is a coordinated effort designed to optimise the use of antimicrobial medications, including antibiotics, to treat infections effectively while minimising the risk of resistance. These programs involve a multi-disciplinary approach, bringing together doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that every decision about antibiotic use is backed by the latest scientific evidence and tailored to patients' individual needs.
Core Components of an Effective Antimicrobial Stewardship Program
Effective ASPs are built on several core components, including leadership commitment, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement. Key elements include:
- Establishing guidelines for appropriate antibiotic use.
- Monitoring antibiotic prescriptions and resistance patterns.
- Providing education and training for healthcare providers.
- Ensuring access to expert advice.
Tailoring Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs for Aged Care Facilities
Aged care facilities require specialised ASPs tailored to the unique needs of their residents. This includes developing protocols that address common infections in resident populations, such as urinary tract infections and respiratory infections, and adapting guidelines to account for the specific challenges of ageing, such as polypharmacy and decreased renal function. Tailoring these programs also involves close collaboration with local healthcare providers to ensure seamless care transitions and consistent messaging about the importance of responsible antibiotic use.
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Lyndon Forrest
Managing Director | CEO
I am a passionate and visionary leader who has been working in the field of infection prevention and control in aged care for almost 30 years. I am one of the co-founders and the current Managing Director and CEO of Bug Control New Zealand and Australia, the premium provider of infection prevention and control services in aged care. I lead a team that is driven by a common purpose: to help aged care leaders and staff protect their residents from infections and create a healthier future for them.
I am building a business that focuses on our clients and solving their problems. We are focused on building a world-class service in aged care. We focus on being better, not bigger, which means anything we do is for our clients.
I am a passionate and visionary leader who has been working in the field of infection prevention and control in aged care for almost 30 years. I am one of the co-founders and the current Managing Director and CEO of Bug Control New Zealand and Australia, the premium provider of infection prevention and control services in aged care. I lead a team that is driven by a common purpose: to help aged care leaders and staff protect their residents from infections and create a healthier future for them.
I am building a business that focuses on our clients and solving their problems. We are focused on building a world-class service in aged care. We focus on being better, not bigger, which means anything we do is for our clients.
Erica Leadley
Manager, Marketing and Sales
Erica Leadley is a dedicated professional with a rich background in agriculture and nutrient management. Growing up on her family's farm in Mid Canterbury, she developed a deep passion for farming. She currently resides on her partner's arable property in South Canterbury.
In 2017, Erica joined the Farm Sustainability team, focusing on nutrient management and environmental stewardship. In February 2024, she became the Manager of Marketing and Sales at Bug Control New Zealand - Infection Prevention Services, where her passion now includes improving infection prevention outcomes.
Outside of work, Erica loves cooking and traveling, often combining her culinary interests with her explorations in Italy and Vietnam. She enjoys entertaining family and friends and remains actively involved in farm activities, especially during harvest season.
Erica Leadley is a dedicated professional with a rich background in agriculture and nutrient management. Growing up on her family's farm in Mid Canterbury, she developed a deep passion for farming. She currently resides on her partner's arable property in South Canterbury.
In 2017, Erica joined the Farm Sustainability team, focusing on nutrient management and environmental stewardship. In February 2024, she became the Manager of Marketing and Sales at Bug Control New Zealand - Infection Prevention Services, where her passion now includes improving infection prevention outcomes.
Outside of work, Erica loves cooking and traveling, often combining her culinary interests with her explorations in Italy and Vietnam. She enjoys entertaining family and friends and remains actively involved in farm activities, especially during harvest season.
Toni Sherriff
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Toni is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Infection Prevention and Control. Her career began as a kitchen hand and caregiver in Aged Care facilities, followed by earning a Bachelor of Nursing.
Toni has significant experience, having worked in Brisbane’s Infectious Diseases ward before returning home to New Zealand, where she continued her career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control within Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ).
Toni brings her expertise and dedication to our team, which is instrumental in providing top-tier infection prevention solutions to our clients.
Toni is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Infection Prevention and Control. Her career began as a kitchen hand and caregiver in Aged Care facilities, followed by earning a Bachelor of Nursing.
Toni has significant experience, having worked in Brisbane’s Infectious Diseases ward before returning home to New Zealand, where she continued her career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control within Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ).
Toni brings her expertise and dedication to our team, which is instrumental in providing top-tier infection prevention solutions to our clients.
Julie Hadfield
Accounts & Payroll
Julie is experienced in Accounts & Payroll Administration & after a long career in both the Financial & Local Government Sectors, is now working with our team. Julie brings her strong time management & organisational skills to our team, which is important to keep the company running in the background to enable the rest of our team to provide top notch service to all of our clients.
Julie is experienced in Accounts & Payroll Administration & after a long career in both the Financial & Local Government Sectors, is now working with our team. Julie brings her strong time management & organisational skills to our team, which is important to keep the company running in the background to enable the rest of our team to provide top notch service to all of our clients.
Andrea Murray
Content Editor
I attended Otago University in NZ and graduated as a Dental Surgeon. After 40 years in the profession, I retired in 2022. Infection prevention knowledge was part of everyday practice, dealing with sterilisation, hand hygiene, and cleaning.
Before retiring, I began doing some editing and proofreading for Bug Control as I am interested in the subject and in the English language. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I attended the ACIPC course "Introduction to Infection Prevention and Control", which increased my interest in the subject. I now work part-time as the Content Editor for the company.
I attended Otago University in NZ and graduated as a Dental Surgeon. After 40 years in the profession, I retired in 2022. Infection prevention knowledge was part of everyday practice, dealing with sterilisation, hand hygiene, and cleaning.
Before retiring, I began doing some editing and proofreading for Bug Control as I am interested in the subject and in the English language. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I attended the ACIPC course "Introduction to Infection Prevention and Control", which increased my interest in the subject. I now work part-time as the Content Editor for the company.
Personally, I lived in the UK for 10 years. My two children were born in Scotland, and now both are living in Europe, one in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and the other in Edinburgh, Scotland. I live close to Fairlie on the South Island of NZ, a beautiful part of the country, and I love being out of the city.
Princess
Customer Support
Princess began her career as a dedicated Customer Service Representative, honing her communication and problem-solving skills. She later transitioned into a Literary Specialist role, where she developed a keen eye for detail. Her journey then led her to a Sales Specialist position, where she excelled in client relations.
Now, as a Customer Support professional in Infection Prevention Services. Princess focuses on ensuring customer satisfaction, building loyalty, and enhancing the overall customer journey.
Princess began her career as a dedicated Customer Service Representative, honing her communication and problem-solving skills. She later transitioned into a Literary Specialist role, where she developed a keen eye for detail. Her journey then led her to a Sales Specialist position, where she excelled in client relations.
Now, as a Customer Support professional in Infection Prevention Services. Princess focuses on ensuring customer satisfaction, building loyalty, and enhancing the overall customer journey.
Dianne Newey
Senior Infection Prevention and Control Consultant
With over 35 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, I'm now applying all my experience and skills as a Senior Infection Prevention and Control Consultant with Bug Control Infection Prevention Advisory Services.
This is through IP&C education, IP&C environmental audits and reports, IP&C policy and procedure review and development and consultancy on infection prevention and control issues. When I’m not working, I spend time with my family and in my garden, where I grow all my own veggies.
With over 35 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, I'm now applying all my experience and skills as a Senior Infection Prevention and Control Consultant with Bug Control Infection Prevention Advisory Services.
In my role, I promote Infection Prevention and Control, to RACF's and disability support services.
This is through IP&C education, IP&C environmental audits and reports, IP&C policy and procedure review and development and consultancy on infection prevention and control issues. When I’m not working, I spend time with my family and in my garden, where I grow all my own veggies.
Caoimhe (Keva) Stewart
Manager of Customer Service
Caoimhe is the Manager of Customer Service at Bug Control | Infection Prevention Services, where she ensures that learners have a seamless and supportive experience. With her previous experience as a Registered Nurse in both the UK and Australia, Caoimhe brings a deep understanding of healthcare to her role. Before joining Bug Control IPS Services, she worked in a variety of nursing settings, including Occupational Health, Palliative Care, and Community Nursing, providing her with the ability to empathise with learners and understand the challenges they face.
Caoimhe is the Manager of Customer Service at Bug Control | Infection Prevention Services, where she ensures that learners have a seamless and supportive experience. With her previous experience as a Registered Nurse in both the UK and Australia, Caoimhe brings a deep understanding of healthcare to her role. Before joining Bug Control IPS Services, she worked in a variety of nursing settings, including Occupational Health, Palliative Care, and Community Nursing, providing her with the ability to empathise with learners and understand the challenges they face.
Her move from nursing to customer service was driven by her passion for helping others, not just in clinical settings but also in ensuring that people have access to the resources and support they need. Now, Caoimhe applies her problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and communication expertise to her role, helping to create a positive and effective learning environment for all students.
Outside of work, Caoimhe enjoys travelling, staying active, and catching up with friends on the weekends. Whether in healthcare or customer service, she’s dedicated to making a meaningful difference and supporting people in their personal and professional growth.