Antibiotic prescribing in surgery: A clinically and socially complex problem in Australia

Surgical prophylaxis is a common indication for antimicrobial use in Australian hospitals with demonstrated poor rates of appropriateness. Ongoing analysis of the Surgical National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey and exploration of influences on antimicrobial prescribing decisions can help identify clinical and behavioural issues that contribute to problematic antimicrobial use. Triangulation of quantitative and qualitiatve data supports the development of surgical antimicrobial stewardship, i.e., quality improvement initiatives for the optimisation of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis. Such initiatives should be developed and implemented at both local and national levels to ensure that they remain effective and sustainable.