Antimicrobial resistance is a serious health concern of the 21st century. Resistance has been increasing globally and this has limited the ability of clinicians to effectively treat various infectious diseases. This has undermined multiple advances in healthcare and it has created the possibility of having a future where antimicrobial therapy is ineffective. Increased antimicrobial consumption among patients has been one of the key factors that has resulted in the emergence of the resistance. Avoiding patient development of antimicrobial therapy resistance should thus involve several strategies such as antimicrobial stewardship, proper use of drugs, and prevention of infections.
Antimicrobial stewardship is a strategy that can be implemented to prevent antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial stewardship is a concept that involves the appropriate use and management of antimicrobial agents. The approach first considers having a patient care which aims to have an effective balance in the prevention and treatment of infections with patients (Gallagher et al., 2018). It can also involve a multidisciplinary team of clinicians that frequently review and recommend modifications undertaken with antimicrobial use. The multidisciplinary approach would thus involve both pharmacists and physicians that promote the effective stewardship of antimicrobials. Every individual that is individual with the handling of patient care should thus demonstrate stewardship in the use of antimicrobial agents.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Patients should also be guided with regard to the proper use of antimicrobials. Proper use of antimicrobial medicine will involve taking them when they are absolutely necessary. Patients should also be guided to take medicines that are effective against the specific type of bacteria that one is infected with. The administration of the antimicrobial medicine should also follow the approach where it is administered in the highest possible dose without toxicity and for the shortest period (Cunha & Opal, 2018). Emphasis should also be made to patients where they should be advised to follow the recommendation and advice of the antimicrobial treatment exactly as it has been prescribed. Additionally, clinicians and patients should avoid the treatment and use of antimicrobial agents for respiratory secretions and for other infections such as sore throat, the flu or a cold. Proper use of antimicrobials by both patients and clinicians will reduce the resistance developed by patients.
The prevention of resistance should also be done by avoidance of infections. Avoiding of infections is a preventive approach which reduces the amount of antibiotics have been used and it thus prevents the likelihood that resistance is developed during therapy. Prevention of infections involves having a proper hand hygiene when one is in contact with other individuals and patients. When traveling, one should also be aware of the risk of infections and observe proper hygiene. The other preventive approach that can be undertaken is through immunization and vaccination programs and it can prevent possible infections. Safe food preparations should also be followed so as to prevent any infections. Preventing infections thus prevents the possible spread of resistant bacteria.
In conclusion, the strategies to prevent patient resistance to antimicrobial therapy involves antimicrobial stewardship, proper use of antimicrobial medicine, and prevention of infections. Antimicrobial stewardship involves having a proper management of antimicrobial agents by clinicians and pharmacists. Proper use of antimicrobial medicines by patients will involve limited use, proper administration, and following the prescribed medications. Prevention of infections through handwashing, immunization, and safe food preparation can also prevent infections. Preventing infections ensures that there is a minimal use of antibiotics and this prevents the development of resistance.
References
Cunha, C. B., & Opal, S. M. (2018). Antibiotic Stewardship: Strategies to Minimize Antibiotic Resistance While Maximizing Antibiotic Effectiveness. Medical Clinics , 102 (5), 831-843.
Gallagher, J. C., Justo, J. A., Chahine, E. B., Bookstaver, P. B., Scheetz, M., Suda, K. J., ... & MacDougall, C. (2018). Preventing the post-antibiotic era by training future pharmacists as antimicrobial stewards. American journal of pharmaceutical education , 82 (6).
