A tale of two hospitals: How teams utilise an antimicrobial surveillance tool

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) teams utilise digital technologies to improve antimicrobial prescribing practices in hospitals. The majority of digital tools are implemented in NSW hospitals at a district level, however, the work processes of antimicrobial stewardship teams often differ at a hospital level.

Aims: To explore how AMS teams at two hospitals in one NSW local health district (LHD) utilise a digital antimicrobial surveillance tool (Live AMS) and identify factors that promote uptake.

Methods: Observations and interviews were conducted with AMS teams at two public teaching hospitals in Sydney to understand work processes and explore end-user perceptions.

Results: Observations (27 hours) and interviews (n=15) revealed use and level of familiarity with the tool differed between the two hospitals. Despite AMS teams at both hospitals performing similar tasks, Live AMS was utilised more at the hospital where more participants were reportedly involved in the tool’s development. Participants at both hospitals perceived Live AMS to be easy to use. At the hospital where the tool was utilised less, some participants reported that they received the same information through different channels or did not require Live AMS for their role.

Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of user engagement to promote uptake of digital health tools. Despite reduced utilisation of Live AMS at one hospital, AMS staff appeared to complete similar AMS tasks successfully. An understanding of workflows and user needs prior to implementation is likely to reveal whether a digital tool will in fact be useful and used.