Key issues in developing antibiotic policies: from an institutional level to Europe-wide. European Study Group on Antibiotic Policy (ESGAP), Subgroup III

Clin Microbiol Infect. 2001:7 Suppl 6:16-21.

Abstract

Establishment of a rational antibiotic policy (RAP) is a key issue for both better care of patients and combating antimicrobial resistance [1-5]. The problem of rational antibiotic use is complex [6,7] and requires co-ordination of the activities of healthcare authorities, institutions and individual practitioners. Furthermore, on a community basis, it involves restriction of non-human usage of antibiotics [8] and awareness of society about both the useful and harmful effects of antibiotics [9] and, on a national basis, participation of governmental [10] and non-governmental [11] organizations in collaboration with European and international medical societies [12-14]. The rational use of antibiotics should be established in both hospital and ambulatory settings [10]. Institutional, regional, national and global aspects of antibiotic policies should be considered [2].

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Delivery of Health Care / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial
  • Drug Utilization / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Drug Utilization / standards*
  • Europe
  • Health Facilities / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Health Facilities / standards*
  • Health Policy*
  • Humans
  • Infection Control
  • International Cooperation
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents