This is an indicator of good practice. The use of antibacterials clearly leads to resistance even when the drugs are used appropriately. While there is some association of antibacterial use with deprivation there is still room for reduction in such use in all PCTs as evidence indicates that taking antibacterials in most sore throats, most otitis media, shorter episodes of sinusitis and uncomplicated acute bronchitis usually has little benefit for the patient. The control of resistance has been accepted as a priority by the Government. The UK Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy and Action Plan was published in mid-2000 and was developed from the Government's response to a major enquiry and report for the HoL Sci and Tech Committee in the late 1990s, which has since reviewed the issue. As part of the response, the Specialist Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance (SACAR) was set up and is developing further proposals relating to the surveillance of resistance and the monitoring of antimicrobial use, and the EU Commission is actively developing policy and actions relating to both areas. 'Winning Ways - working together to reduce healthcare associated infections in England', published by the Department of Health in December 2003, updates and expands on the Strategy and Action Plan of 2000.
| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Band 1 - poor | greater than 1.25 |
| Band 2 | less than or equal to 1.25 and greater than 1.15 |
| Band 3 | less than or equal to 1.15 and greater than 1.01 |
| Band 4 | less than or equal to 1.01 and greater than 0.91 |
| Band 5 - good | Less than or equal to 0.91 |