Pharmacists play a critical role in the healthcare system, and one of their most vital responsibilities is ensuring the appropriate and responsible use of medications including antibiotics. In 2015, a staggering 30.5 million prescriptions for antimicrobials were dispensed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Repatriation PBS. (1) The primary driver of antimicrobial resistance is the improper use of antibiotics, often linked to self-medication and unnecessary antibiotic use for viral illnesses. (2) Antibiotic stewardship is crucial in preventing the development of antibiotic resistance and improving patient care. Let's explore the essential components of antibiotic stewardship for pharmacists.
1. Understanding Antibiotic Resistance: To address the challenge of antibiotic resistance, we must first comprehend its significance. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is not limited to a specific region; it is a global concern affecting every country. To illustrate the gravity of the situation, a UK Government report projects that, if AMR remains uncontrolled by 2050, an alarming ten million people will succumb to AMR-related issues annually. (1) In Australia, vigilant monitoring of antibiotic use and AMR is underway to gain insights into where interventions are needed. As the trends are constantly changing, it is essential that pharmacists stay informed about the latest data regarding antibiotic resistance.
2. Promoting Antibiotic Awareness: Educating both healthcare professionals and the general public about the prudent use of antibiotics is a vital step in combating resistance. Antibiotics should be used wisely, and awareness campaigns play a pivotal role in achieving this goal. Participation in antibiotic awareness campaigns and events, particularly within community pharmacies, helps spread the message about the responsible use of these essential medications.
3. Collaboration with Prescribers: Effective communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals is paramount to ensuring that antibiotics are prescribed appropriately. In hospitals, pharmacists generally lead hospital antimicrobial stewardship programs, helping to ensure other health professionals are adhering to guidelines on how to prescribe and use antibiotics. (1) Hospital pharmacists play a pivotal role in providing guidance on antibiotic selection, appropriate dosing, duration of treatment, and necessary dose adjustments. Additionally, they can offer advice on potential medication interactions and strategies to mitigate adverse effects, ensuring the safe and responsible use of medications within the healthcare setting. (1) By fostering collaboration, healthcare providers can collectively work toward more responsible prescribing practices.
4: Patient Education within Pharmacies: Educating patients about the proper use of antibiotics is essential. Patients must understand the significance of adhering to prescribed dosages and completing the full course, even if they start feeling better. This ensures that the infection is fully treated and minimises the risk of resistance development. Furthermore, when patients bring in prescriptions for antibiotics that have been written more than two weeks prior, it's crucial to check for appropriateness and provide guidance on the necessity of the medication. In community settings, pharmacists can help patients educate consumers and address their concerns. They can also ensure unused and expired antibiotics are properly destroyed to reduce the chance of them entering the environment. (1)
Pharmacists are instrumental in safeguarding the effectiveness of antibiotics and improving patient care. Depending on their practice setting their role will vary. A comprehensive report on the role of the pharmacist and pharmacy services in antimicrobial stewardship can be found in Chapter 11 of the Antimicrobial Stewardship in Australian Health Care Report by the Australian Commission of Safety and Quality in Health Care.
By embracing antibiotic stewardship, pharmacists contribute to combating antibiotic resistance and ensuring that antibiotics remain a viable and effective treatment option. Pharmacists dedication to responsible antibiotic use is crucial for the well-being of patients and the future of healthcare. 💊🦠 #AntibioticStewardship #PatientSafety
References
For pharmacy | Antimicrobial resistance [Internet]. Antimicrobial resistance. 2017. Available from: https://www.amr.gov.au/what-you-can-do/pharmacy
Franco BE, Martínez MA, Rodríguez MA, Wertheimer A. The determinants of the antibiotic resistance Process. Infect. Drug Resist. . 2009;2:1–11.
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