Abstract
Inappropriate antibiotic use in normally self-limiting acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs), such as sore throat and the common cold, is a global problem and an important factor for increasing levels of antibiotic resistance. A new group of international experts—the Global Respiratory Infection Partnership (GRIP)—is committed to addressing this issue, with the interface between primary care practitioners and their patients as their core focus. To combat the overuse of antibiotics in the community, and facilitate a change from prescribing empiric antibiotic treatment towards cautious deferment combined with symptomatic relief, there is a need to introduce and enhance evidence-based dialogue between primary care practitioners and their patients. Communication with patients should focus on the de-medicalisation of self-limiting viral infections, which can be achieved via a coherent globally endorsed framework outlining the rationale for appropriate antibiotic use in acute RTIs in the context of antibiotic stewardship and conservancy. The planned framework is intended to be adaptable at a country level to reflect local behaviours, cultures and healthcare systems, and has the potential to serve as a model for change in other therapeutic areas.
Highlights
Antibiotic resistance exerts a significant and pressing global healthcare challenge, with 25,000 people in Europe dying each year as a direct result of resistant infection [1]
Once a coherent international approach has been developed to promote a change in the prescribing and use of antibiotics for the treatment of respiratory tract infections (RTIs), this could serve as a model for change in other infections
The most recent data from the European Antibiotic Surveillance Reports found that antibiotic resistance rates of E. coli and/or K. pneumoniae varied markedly between countries
Summary
Antibiotic resistance exerts a significant and pressing global healthcare challenge, with 25,000 people in Europe dying each year as a direct result of resistant infection [1]. In other European countries increased resistance to the standard urinary tract infection treatment, nitrofurantoin, is developing [17]. This is being driven by increasing antimicrobial resistance of Enterobacteriaceae, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae [18]. A framework is being developed for non-antibiotic treatment options for symptoms of acute RTIs. A framework is being developed for non-antibiotic treatment options for symptoms of acute RTIs In this first GRIP opinion paper, the group aims to stimulate debate between healthcare professionals and highlight the need for an integrated approach to facilitating behavioural change among antibiotic prescribers and users. Once a coherent international approach has been developed to promote a change in the prescribing and use of antibiotics for the treatment of RTIs, this could serve as a model for change in other infections
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