​Antimicrobials are an important resource used in the treatment of infections. The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials globally is a key driver in the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which threatens the long-term efficacy of these medicines. The GP-Antimicrobial Utilisation Surveillance Initiative (GP-AMU) is a programme initiated by the Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Office (AMRCO). This programme seeks to monitor trends of antimicrobial utilisation in the community, and facilitates data-driven feedback for participating clinics' internal monitoring. The programme was initiated in 2021 and has since onboarded more than 60 GP clinics.

What do clinics need to do as part of the GP-AMU initiative?

Participating clinics submit data on antimicrobial use and doctor visits on an annual basis to AMRCO. The data is analysed and reviewed by national expert panels on antimicrobial stewardship and AMR, which comprise infectious disease clinicians, microbiologists, pharmacists and public health specialists.

What are the benefits of participation in the GP-AMU initiative?

Following the analysis of data, feedback will be provided to clinics. GPs will be able to use their data to benchmark utilisation for their clinics over time and compare it to the sector average. Through the GP-AMU initiative, AMRCO aims to optimise antimicrobial use and encourage appropriate prescribing in the primary care setting.