Systematic Analysis of Population-Level Clinical Data to Evaluate Empiric Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns in UK Acute Care Settings (2020–2024)

Multi-phase research investigation examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antimicrobial stewardship practices in UK acute care settings. The project employed systematic review, retrospective cohort analysis of 640 patients across two NHS Foundation Trusts, and cross-sectional surveys to understand prescribing pattern changes, healthcare professional attitudes, and implementation barriers during the pandemic period.

Research studying how the COVID-19 pandemic affected antibiotic prescribing in UK hospitals, examining what changed, why it changed, and how to maintain good antibiotic practices during health emergencies.

Identified significant disruptions to antimicrobial stewardship during COVID-19, with increased broad-spectrum antibiotic use and reduced stewardship interventions. Developed evidence-based recommendations for maintaining AMS during health emergencies. Generated practical frameworks for pandemic-resilient stewardship practices, informing UK policy through parliamentary evidence submission and international guidelines through WHO collaboration.