EPI-Net One Health reporting guideline for antimicrobial consumption and resistance surveillance data: a Delphi approach

Lancet Reg Health Eur. 2022 Dec 22:26:100563. doi: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100563. eCollection 2023 Mar.

Abstract

Strategic and standardised approaches to analysis and reporting of surveillance data are essential to inform antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mitigation measures, including antibiotic policies. Targeted guidance on linking full-scale AMR and antimicrobial consumption (AMC)/antimicrobial residues (AR) surveillance data from the human, animal, and environmental sectors is currently needed. This paper describes the initiative whereby a multidisciplinary panel of experts (56 from 20 countries-52 high income, 4 upper middle or lower income), representing all three sectors, elaborated proposals for structuring and reporting full-scale AMR and AMC/AR surveillance data across the three sectors. An evidence-supported, modified Delphi approach was adopted to reach consensus among the experts for dissemination frequency, language, and overall structure of reporting; core elements and metrics for AMC/AR data; core elements and metrics for AMR data. The recommendations can support multisectoral national and regional plans on antimicrobials policy to reduce resistance rates applying a One Health approach.

Keywords: Antibiotic policy; Antimicrobial consumption; Antimicrobial resistance; One Health; Surveillance.

Publication types

  • Review