AI gives rural doctors tools to tackle antibiotic resistance

Dr Wise said that antimicrobial resistance is the sleeping giant of public health problems. “It doesn’t always get the research and scientific attention it deserves, but is an ongoing challenge, particularly for vulnerable rural and remote populations already facing health inequities, including areas with high Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.

“We’re not getting enough new antibiotics to keep up with resistant strains, so we have to make the very best use of the antibiotics we already have,” she said. “That means stewardship – using antibiotics wisely and effectively – is critical.”

Jonathan Nugent, chief pharmacist for WA Country Health Service said the tool helped bridge the gap in access to specialist antimicrobial advice for clinicians working in remote health services.

“It provides timely, specialist-informed and locally relevant guidance at the point of care, supporting safe and appropriate prescribing,” he said. “What makes it particularly valuable is that the guidance is tailored to where you’re working.” 

Clinical Branches (also known as AMPS) was developed by Kraken Coding, an Australian healthcare software company specialising in AI-driven clinical decision support. It translates linear therapeutic guidelines into practical, step-by-step decision support that takes account of patient characteristics and local antimicrobial resistance patterns.

Kraken Coding co-founder John Shanks said that rural and remote clinicians made hard antimicrobial decisions every day, often with no specialist nearby. 

 “UTS showed us what adoption takes: clinicians trusted the tool, and the gaps were awareness, onboarding and access, which gives us a clear plan,” he said.

“In busy health settings, with high staff turnover and multiple systems competing for attention, getting people to consistently use a new tool takes ongoing support. 

“Because the pathways are living guidelines, they keep pace with local resistance and new evidence,” Mr Shanks said. 

“We're now taking the same approach beyond infections into other areas of remote care.”

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