Key
Results
The SPEARHEAD consortium developed new tools, evidence, and engagement approaches that improve antibiotic stewardship and prevention, accelerate diagnosis, and support informed decision-making in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
DRUG ALERT
A real-time hospital tool that detects irrational antibiotic use and supports rapid clinical action.
OUTCOME
In-house medical device implemented at University Hospital Basel
Tool to filter patients by specific clinical criteria
Identification of high-risk or inappropriate antibiotic use cases
INNOVATION
Real-time patient data integration of prescriptions, diagnoses, and laboratory data for immediate risk detection
Early-warning functionality to support clinical decision-making
Scalable approach for broader medication surveillance
IMPACT
Improved medication safety and quality of care
Valuable decision-support tool for clinicians
Strengthened antibiotic stewardship practices
RAPID DIAGNOSTIC AND
RISK PREDICTION MODEL
New diagnostic and AI solutions to accelerate appropriate treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
OUTCOME
Nanomotion antibiotic susceptibility test reduced diagnostic time for UTIs from two days to two hours
Machine-learning models developed to predict antibiotic resistance before laboratory results are available
Models trained on diverse patient data and evaluated across key subgroups to ensure broad applicability
INNOVATION
First-of-its-kind rapid phenotypic test performed at body temperature
Algorithms predicting antibiotic resistance before lab results
Integration of diverse clinical variables and electronic health records
Identification of distinct risk factors across patient groups
IMPACT
Faster, more accurate treatment decisions for UTIs
Reduced risk of inappropriate antibiotic use
Strong basis for future clinical implementation and scaling
Right treatment at the right time, improving patient outcomes
ENGAGEMENT
AND AWARENESS
Engaging people through creative, data-driven workshops and digital tools to foster understanding and responsible antibiotic use.
OUTCOME
20+ workshops involving citizens, students, and professionals
Over 1,000 people reached through outreach activities
New engagement formats
Collection of citizen-generated stories and data to support open research and public awareness
INNOVATION
Non-traditional, hands-on design practices (e.g., combining microbiology, art/design, and participatory methods)
Approaches tailored to groups disproportionately affected (e.g., women with UTIs)
Use of interactive digital tools for anonymous story and data contribution
Open-access resources enabling reuse and further collaboration
IMPACT
Increased public understanding of antimicrobial resistance
Stronger community involvement in health innovation
Scalable and reproducible formats for public engagement
Citizen-generated insights supporting research and policy design
HEALTH ECONOMICS
Economic evidence to guide cost-effective AMR solutions and inform policy and investment decisions.
OUTCOME
Economic and cost-effectiveness analyses of DrugAlert, UTI burden, and rapid diagnostics
Simulation models assessing health, productivity, and broader societal costs of AMR
Publication: Antimicrobial Resistance in Switzerland – Overview with a Focus on Economic Consequences
INNOVATION
Structured health-economic modelling for AMR interventions
Scenario analyses to estimate cost-effectiveness under varying clinical and policy conditions
Integration of clinical, diagnostic, stewardship, and productivity data into unified economic frameworks
Quantification of productivity impacts for diseases affected by AMR
IMPACT
Evidence base for strategic investment in AMR innovation
Improved understanding of economic consequences and productivity losses in Switzerland
Support for policy and funding decisions aligned with public health needs
Demonstrated value of earlier appropriate antibiotic therapy through cost-effectiveness analyses