Stephen Hughes
Consultant Antimicrobial Pharmacist
Chelsea Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Biography: Stephen is a consultant antimicrobial pharmacist leading the antimicrobial stewardship service at the Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust. He is responsible for the effective and safe use of antimicrobials across the Trust including antifungals and anti-COVID-19 therapies. His postgraduate education includes an MSc in Pharmacy Research and Practice, non-medical independent prescribing status and an MBA. Stephen has particular interests in antimicrobial stewardship around improving systems and improving treatment options for management of antimicrobial resistant pathogens.
Horizon Fellowship project summary: To develop an online portal recording patient-reported outcome measures relating to common infections. They will screen for early signs of treatment failure and triage patients in real-time for additional clinical review. This closed-loop feedback for discharged patients would identify early infective complications and feedback to the responsible clinicians.
This tool will function to mitigate the increasing risk of treatment failure seen with antimicrobial resistance and support early hospital discharge with the reassurance of real-time feedback on potential complications in our complex patients.
Estimated number of patients / staff impacted by the project: 10 – 20 patients a day (350 – 700 a year)
Goal(s) for time on the Horizon Fellowship programme: Stephen hopes to develop capabilities to introduce and test new technologies in the clinical setting for the opportunity to automate or scale some routine patient follow up. Combining clinical with technical skills will allow for better patient care and follow-up.