Exploring the perspectives of antimicrobial stewardship pharmacists in England on the subscription model for antimicrobial drugs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) introduced the world's first 'subscription-type' antimicrobial payment model in the UK in 2022 for ceftazidime-avibactam and cefiderocol, decoupling reimbursement from usage to stimulate innovation. The model is being expanded to additional antimicrobials. We aimed to explore the views of lead antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) pharmacists, key model implementers and stakeholders, using a nationwide survey.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to lead AMS pharmacists of NHS acute Trusts (n = 131) in England (February-July 2025).

Results

Forty-three pharmacists (response rate 32.8%) participated. Most were familiar with the model (86.1%) and supported its principle (88.4%), believing it pro

SUBMITTER: Hughes S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12910370 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature