Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS)

What we are working on

Our project is dedicated to transforming antibiotic prescribing practices across Aotearoa. To achieve this, we have identified several key initiatives designed to address inequities in treatment, promote better health outcomes, and ensure the responsible use of antibiotics, safeguarding their effectiveness for future generations.

Key Initiative

Developing a national antibiotic guideline

Establish a trusted, unified antimicrobial guideline tailored specifically for Aotearoa. This guideline will address the unique needs of the population and ensure that clinicians have access to the best possible advice for treating infections.

Key Initiative

Innovating antibiotic stewardship in hospitals

Improve the quality of antibiotic use in public hospitals by developing a dashboard that tracks antibiotic prescribing practices. This initiative will identify inequities in treatment for Māori and other populations to support actions to eliminate inequities.

Key Initiative

Enhancing antibiotic stewardship in the community

Strengthen antimicrobial stewardship in primary care settings, where the majority of antibiotics are prescribed. This initiative will focus on linking prescribing practices to specific indications and addressing inequities in care.

Key Initiative

Improving feedback for better prescribing

Design more effective methods for delivering antimicrobial stewardship data to clinicians, with a focus on promoting behavior change and reducing inappropriate antibiotic use. This initiative will emphasize equitable care and assess the impact of enhanced feedback on prescribing practices.

Key Initiative

Developing a national antibiotic guideline

Key Initiative

Innovating antibiotic stewardship in hospitals

Key Initiative

Enhancing antibiotic stewardship in the community

Key Initiative

Improving feedback for better prescribing

The research team

Our team consists of a diverse group of experts in infectious disease, antibiotic stewardship, primary health, public health, Māori health.

Associate Professor Stephen Ritchie

Principal Investigator

Dr Lily Fraser

Co-Lead Investigator

Dr Karen Wright

Co-Lead Investigator

Associate Professor Alesha Smith

Co-Investigator

Associate Professor Mark Thomas

Co-Investigator

Dr Annie Borland

Co-Investigator

Dr Emma Best

Co-Investigator

Dr Gigi Lim

Co-Investigator

Dr Leanne Te Karu

Co-Investigator

Dr Maxim Bloomfield

Co-Investigator

Dr Sarah Metcalf

Co-Investigator

Dr Sharon Gardiner

Co-Investigator

Dr Thomas Hills

Co-Investigator

Eamon Duffy

Co-Investigator

Professor Stephen Chambers

Co-Investigator

Elaine Umali

Project Manager

Chelsey Gardiner

Project Coordinator

Associate Professor Stephen Ritchie

Principal Investigator

Dr Lily Fraser

Co-Lead Investigator

Dr Karen Wright

Co-Lead Investigator

Associate Professor Alesha Smith

Co-Investigator

Associate Professor Mark Thomas

Co-Investigator

Dr Sarah Metcalf

Co-Investigator

Dr Sharon Gardiner

Co-Investigator

Dr Thomas Hills

Co-Investigator

Eamon Duffy

Co-Investigator

Professor Stephen Chambers

Co-Investigator

Dr Annie Borland

Co-Investigator

Dr Emma Best

Co-Investigator

Dr Gigi Lim

Co-Investigator

Dr Leanne Te Karu

Co-Investigator

Dr Maxim Bloomfield

Co-Investigator

Elaine Umali

Project Manager

Chelsey Gardiner

Project Coordinator

What does this mean for Aotearoa's future?

Our work lays the foundation for better healthcare, equitable access, and a healthier future for all.

Sustainable Tools

Guidelines for clinicians to support better antibiotic prescribing and use across Aotearoa.

Equitable Care

A step to support appropriate treatment for all with infectious diseases across Aotearoa improving the health of whānau.

Long-Term Impact

Sustained improvements in antibiotic use and a reduction in antibiotic resistance.

Nationwide AMS Resources

Outputs from the project will provide much-needed Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) services to hospitals and clinics across Aotearoa.

Collaborative Research

Working with diverse medical teams and providers ensures feedback is impactful, supporting progress across all project phases. Fostering lasting relationships to drive future innovation and research.

Sustainable Tools

Before their appointment, patients can access information on URTIs and effective treatments, ensuring they are well-informed.

Equitable Care

A step to support appropriate treatment for all with infectious diseases across Aotearoa improving the health of whānau.

Collaborative Research

Working with diverse medical teams and providers ensures feedback is impactful, supporting progress across all project phases. Fostering lasting relationships to drive future innovation and research.

Nationwide AMS Resources

Outputs from the project will provide much-needed Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) services to hospitals and clinics across Aotearoa.

Long-term Impact

Sustained improvements in antibiotic use and a reduction in antibiotic resistance.

Our Projects