We review antimicrobial resistance and why antimicrobial stewardship is important in mitigating its effects, and the role community pharmacists can play.

 

After completing this module, you should be more aware of:

• the extent of antimicrobial resistance and its impact on health

• the fact that antimicrobial resistance is not just a threat to treating infection

• International and national strategies and policies designed to mitigate antimicrobial resistance

• the definition of antimicrobial stewardship

• actions needed as part of antimicrobial stewardship to mitigate the impact of antimicrobial resistance

• who is most affected by antimicrobial resistance

• the level of inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials

• the role community pharmacists can play in antimicrobial stewardship

• evidence that interventions by community pharmacists can help optimise the use of antimicrobials

• What the future may hold in terms of the development of new antimicrobials