The Primary Care Perspective on the Norwegian National Strategy against Antimicrobial Resistance.

Guri Rørtveit,Gunnar Skov Simonsen

doi:10.3390/antibiotics9090622

Abstract

A national strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been subject to cyclic processes in Norway since 1998. In 2020, a renewed process cycle was launched. Here, we describe the process and the approach of the process. In addition, we describe two concepts from philosophy of science that may help to frame the process: AMR is an example of a super wicked problem, and post-normal science provides tools to analyze the problem from a new angle.

Highlights

The international struggle against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a matter of huge importance, with no simple solutions in sight [1,2]
AMR is a naturally occurring phenomenon, the wide use of antibiotics is known to drive and spread AMR, which is a problem at the ecologic as well as individual level [1,3]
A substantial proportion of antibiotic prescriptions are issued by primary care physicians, implying that this part of the healthcare sector needs to be heavily involved in any strategy to reduce AMR

Summary

Introduction

The international struggle against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a matter of huge importance, with no simple solutions in sight [1,2]. The need for antibiotics in healthcare cannot be overestimated [4] They are used to treat deadly infections as well as prevent serious complications after surgery. Within human medicine the general current approach is to prevent infections, improve appropriateness of antimicrobial use through antibiotic stewardship, and improve sanitation and hygiene. A substantial proportion of antibiotic prescriptions are issued by primary care physicians, implying that this part of the healthcare sector needs to be heavily involved in any strategy to reduce AMR. AMR, with revision and renewal every five year Such a revision process is ongoing; the content of the new strategy is not yet ready to be published. The aim of the current paper is to describe the strategy process with emphasis on the relevance for the primary healthcare sector. We analyze the process by use of two concepts from philosophy of science; wicked problems and post-normal science

The Norwegian Strategy Process

The Relevance of the Strategy for Norwegian Primary Healthcare

Findings

Underlying Conditions for a Renewed Strategy