Report clarifies drivers behind irrational antibiotic consumption in Europe

Health Action International (HAI) organization has released a new report which aims clarify major drivers of irrational antibiotic use among the general public and healthcare practitioners in Europe. Lack of knowledge and awareness, antibiotic dispense without medical prescription and use of leftover antibiotics were seen as the main reasons behind irrational use among the general public. In addition, among healthcare professionals, the lack of adequate education, incorrect perceptions of antibiotic use and resistance, pharmaceutical promotions as well as lack of rapid and sufficient tests to guide antibiotic prescribing at point-of-care were mentioned. As initiatives and actions which could improve the current unnecessary antibiotic consumption and rapid growth of antibiotic resistance, the report recommends education and training at all levels, strengthening data on antibiotic use and resistance surveillance, and utilization of easy-to-use rapid diagnostic tests to guide antibiotic prescription.

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Link to report: http://haiweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Report-Drivers-of-Irrational-Use-of-Antibiotics.pdf