Introduction & module overview

Each year, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is estimated to cause 4.7 million deaths worldwide, with 1.3 million of these directly attributed to resistant infections. In Europe, around 25,000 deaths annually are linked to AMR.

These figures highlight the urgent need for co-ordinated efforts to combat this crisis. Research, which shows that the risk of resistance persists for at least 12 months after a single course of antibiotics, highlights the long-term consequences of inappropriate antibiotic use.

Community pharmacy teams are uniquely positioned to address this growing challenge by advocating for appropriate antibiotic use, educating patients on the risks of AMR, and promoting effective antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). This includes raising awareness about the limitations of antibiotics, such as their ineffectiveness against viral infections such as colds and flu, and encouraging patients to follow prescribed treatment regimens precisely.

Pharmacists can also help dispel common misconceptions, such as the belief that ‘stronger’ antibiotics or longer courses are always better. Engaging patients in discussions about managing self-limiting infections can reduce unnecessary antibiotic demand.

Through consistent, evidence-based messaging, pharmacy teams can contribute significantly to reducing AMR while safeguarding the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.

Community pharmacy teams are central to AMS efforts since the community is where 80 per cent of antibiotics are prescribed. They are ideally placed to manage patient expectations, provide self-care advice and identify red flags requiring medical attention. Key AMS activities in community pharmacy include:

• Educating patients about the usual duration of self-limiting infections (e.g. colds, sinusitis, bronchitis)
• Providing self-care advice to reduce unnecessary visits to GP surgeries
• Dispelling common misconceptions about antibiotics, such as their effectiveness against viral infections.

Pharmacists can also utilise resources such as the TARGET toolkit to ensure consistent, evidence-based messages are delivered to patients, promoting the appropriate use of antibiotics and supporting AMS efforts.