4 Measuring AMR, AMU and AMC to support decision-making

AMR, AMU and AMC are measured and used at different levels and in different sectors – from hospitals or farms or laboratories, to national governments, to international organisations. Information about AMR, AMU and AMC addresses different needs at different levels. For example, local-level AMR data are important for clinical decision-making (choosing the best treatment for an individual patient), whereas national and global-level AMR data can provide an early warning of emerging AMR threats. Data collected at local level therefore inform international decision-making. Equally, information compiled at international level can influence local-level practices. For example, emergent AMR detected nationally or internationally might lead to a change in local prescribing guidelines. Figure 3 presents an example of how AMR information is used at different levels in public health.

Figure 3 Using AMR data at different levels in public health.

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A series of ovals, from top to bottom representing the global, national, regional and local scales. Labels indicate how AMR data are used at each level. Arrows labelled ‘Information flow’ go from each level to the one above, and arrows labelled ‘Feedback’ go from each level to the one below.

Figure 3 Using AMR data at different levels in public health.