Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health concern, exacerbated by increased antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional retrospective study evaluates changes in antibiotic prescribing for respiratory infections in a UK secondary care setting between 2019 and 2020. Using the WHO AWaRe classification and Defined Daily Dose (DDD) metrics, results reveal significant increases in "Watch" category antibiotics, particularly azithromycin and clarithromycin. The increased use of levofloxacin despite safety concerns highlights the need for cautious prescribing. These findings underscore the importance of robust antimicrobial stewardship to optimise antibiotic use and mitigate AMR risks in secondary care.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | International Journal of Pharmacy Practice (IJPP) |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 19 Oct 2024 |
Keywords
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
- Antimicrobial
- antimicrobial efficacy
- Antimicrobial Classification
- Antimicrobial properties
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Antimicrobial stewardship programs
- antibiotics
- antibiotic classification
- antibiotic duration
- Antibiotic resistance
- Antibiotic prescribing
- Antibiotic safety
- Antibiotic Stewardship
- Antibiotic Use
- Antibiotics
- Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS)
- Antimicrobial stewardship competencies
- antimicrobial stewardship (AMS)
- antibiotic prescribing
- COVID-19 pandemic
- covid 19
- Secondary Care
- Secondary care settings
- Defined daily dose (DDD)
- WHO AWaRe Classification
- Awareness
- Respiratory tract infections (RTIs)
- INFECTIONS
- Macrolide antibiotics
- Macrolides
- Levofloxacin safety
- Levofloxacin
- WHO guidelines
- World Health Organisation