Media release
27 August 2019
Starship hopes new app will help combat antibiotic resistance challenges
Starship has developed an app to make prescribing antibiotics for children smarter and more efficient for
paediatricians, as antibiotics resistance becomes an increasingly global challenge.
Since launching in March 2019 the Script for Paediatrics app has been downloaded by more than 1300 individuals including
specialist paediatric clinicians, as well as emergency medicine front-liners and general practitioners. Already it’s
being used around New Zealand with downloads recorded from clinicians in every DHB in the country.
Feedback from users has been positive, one describing it as; “Brilliant! So clear and easy to use.” Others calling it
‘fantastic’, ‘wonderful’ and ‘very useful’.
The Script for Paediatrics app brings over 250 separate web-based guidelines together, feeding into multiple algorithms
which map a path for users to identify the correct antibiotic and treatment plan.
This helps ensure the most targeted antibiotic is prescribed, avoiding unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotics – an
essential component to reducing antibiotic resistant bacteria.
“Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem worldwide and we are already finding that antibiotics we’ve used for years
aren’t working anymore, so best prescribing practice is very important,” says Dr Sarah Primhak, Paediatric Fellow from
Starship’s Infectious Diseases Service.
“If we overuse antibiotics, or we prescribe antibiotics that are too broad when they’re not needed, then the bacteria
that we’re trying to treat get used to those antibiotics and then they don’t work.”
It is particularly important children receive appropriate antibiotics, with research showing around 97% of children in
New Zealand have had a course of antibiotics before they are five years old.
In addition to more targeted treatments, the app will also help make prescribing antibiotics more efficient. Where
previously medical practitioners use a computer to check through multiple guidelines, the app is a portable, singular
source of information.
“The clinician assesses and diagnoses the child fighting an infection in the normal way, then uses the app to pinpoint
the antibiotic, dosage and length of treatment that best fits the child in front of them,” says Dr Primhak.
The app is the only paediatric-specific tool of its kind in New Zealand and builds on Script; an antibiotic prescribing
app for adults in use in the Auckland region. Script for Paediatrics was conceived at Starship and developed thanks to
funding from long-time Five Star Partner Mercury and its customers.
“We’re really excited to be supporting an app that could play a big role in the long-term health of so many children. In
the twenty years our customers have been supporting Starship we’ve seen technology play an increasingly important role
in the innovative projects Starship continues to deliver for children and their families,” says Chief Marketing Officer
Julia Jack.
Starship’s Paediatric Infectious Diseases Service engaged with the National Institute for Health Innovation (NIHI) when
developing the app to iterate an adult version which draws on current paediatric guidelines and accounts for the
complexities of prescribing antibiotics to children. Script for Paediatrics was trialled by a group of paediatricians at
Starship and Middlemore Hospitals.
The team at Starship are monitoring the impact of Script for Paediatrics to make improvements where possible by
comparing antibiotic prescription behaviour before and after the introduction of the app. Further, tracking will
identify high user groups and allow for iterations based on human centred design.
About the Starship Foundation
Starship is New Zealand’s national children’s hospital, firmly focused on accelerating world class healthcare for all
New Zealand children. There are nearly 135,000 patient visits to Starship Child Health each year including around 1000
outreach clinics where Starship clinicians offer specialist consultation and support all around the country. Starship
has New Zealand’s only dedicated PICU, and offers 14 complex medical specialist services treating children who come from
around New Zealand when the care needed is only available at Starship.
Since 1992 the Starship Foundation has invested more than $135 million into Starship Child Health, making a real
difference to children across New Zealand every day. We invest in impact programs which focus on equity to ensure no
child is left behind, and prevention to keep our children safe and healthy in the community. We fund programs which save
and extend lives, such as the Starship National Air Ambulance; new technology and treatments which result in faster
recovery and better outcomes, and we support patient wellbeing, lifting spirits, emotional and family support.
Right now we have a new sense of urgency with an ambitious target to generate $20 million a year for Starship by 2023.
In line with global best practice we are increasing our efforts in research and innovation targeting an additional $5
million per annum.
Our children. Better health. Brighter futures.
For further information visit: https://www.starship.org.nz/foundation
ends