On European Antibiotic Awareness Day (18th November), the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) has issued a call for all citizens to become students in prudent use. An update from Hospital Pharmacy Europe:
Succeeding
in this endeavour has many components, including continuing to educate the
public about the importance of appropriate use of antibiotics. Hospital
pharmacists, alongside other healthcare professionals, need to assist patients
in becoming students of prudent use, via direct counselling. In addition to
this, all health systems can still achieve more in respect to antimicrobial
stewardship in hospitals. Within multi-disciplinary teams the hospital
pharmacist can lead on matters such as reviewing antibiotic serum levels and
duration of therapy, advising on the cessation or amendment
of inappropriate antibiotic treatments, educating other healthcare
professionals on the restricted use of certain antibiotics, and counselling
patients on their antibiotic therapy.
Combatting
antimicrobial resistance involves everyone, including those in other sectors
such as farming and veterinary care. We therefore encourage the European
Commission to be bold in defining the roles of different professions within the
next EU Action Plan on AMR. A team works best when there is total clarity on
individual responsibilities."
Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle
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