The National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (NAPS) has been conducted every year since 2011. Public and private hospitals from all over Australia are invited to participate in either a whole hospital point prevalence survey or whole hospital period prevalence survey. The audit is designed to encourage reflection, leading to practice improvements. An analysis of the 2014 data is now available.

One-quarter of all Australian public hospitals participated last year, representing 44% of all public hospital beds nationally. Most (71%) of hospitals conducted a whole hospital point prevalence survey, with the data most often being collected by pharmacists. Twelve HNE hospitals contributed data to the survey.

Approximately one-quarter of prescriptions were non-compliant with guidelines (Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic or local guidelines if available).

An indication for the antimicrobial prescription was only documented in the notes for 74% of prescriptions (95% compliance is considered best practice).

Best practice of surgical prophylaxis prescriptions is to have less than 5% continued past 24 hours, however, the survey showed 36% of prescriptions for surgical prophylaxis continued beyond 24 hours.

The NAPS survey identifies areas of practice that require improvements to reach national targets. Plans are in place to expand NAPS to other health sectors, starting with residential aged care facilities.

See also http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/clinical-care-standards/antimicrobial-stewardship-clinical-care-standard/