France is one of the largest consumers of antibiotics in Europe when it comes to human healthcare. Around 90% of these antibiotics are prescribed by local medical practitioners and health clinics. In parallel, bacterial resistance is increasing across all healthcare sectors. Certain actions and measures can be adopted to limit the misuse of antibiotics and the spread of resistant bacteria.
All healthcare professionals are impacted by antibiotic resistance, regardless of profession or field of work
- The inappropriate use of antibiotics exacerbates the selective pressure on bacterial populations; it leads to changes in a patient’s microbiota and fosters the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Healthcare professionals, patients, residents, and visitors are all at risk of exposure to resistant bacteria and may contribute to its spread; they may become infected or infect others during healthcare; resistant bacteria can survive on surfaces and be transmitted through contact – particularly via hands – or by the equipment/devices used.
Solutions exist to limit antibiotic resistance in healthcare.
As a professional, you can help!
By encouraging the proper use of antibiotics
Only prescribe antibiotics when necessary
Advise the patient and their family on whether or not antibiotics are appropriate
Review the prescription with the medical team and/or the healthcare professionals treating the patient
By limiting the transmission of resistant bacteria during patient care
Comply with the appropriate hygiene guidelines for each medical procedure
Make sure your vaccinations are up to date and encourage patients to do the same
Inform and educate patients about effective prevention practices
By working as a network
Assist healthcare professionals by setting up both regional support structures (regional antimicrobial therapy centres, multidisciplinary antimicrobial therapy services, and support centres for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections) and local support structures