Strategic measures for the control of surging antimicrobial resistance in Hong Kong and mainland of China

Cheng, Vincent CC; Wong, Sally CY; Ho, Pak-Leung; Yuen, Kwok-Yung

Antimicrobial stewardship programs with an aim to reduce antibiotic selective pressure by reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. Proactive surveillance culturing of high risk patients for early identification of patients with asymptomatic colonization by MDROs. Contact precautions with single room isolation of patients colonized or infected with MDROs. Decolonization of MDROs where applicable. Environmental decontamination of frequently and mutually touched surfaces or items by healthcare workers, patients, and visitors. Provision of pamphlets for hospitalized patient and visitors to enhance compliance with infection control measures for personal protection against nosocomial acquisition of MDROs. Hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand rub if hands are not visibly soiled. Practice of ''entry and exit'' control by implementing directly observed hand hygiene for conscious patients before oral hygiene, ingestion of meals and medications, and after using the toilet.