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Description
The proposed project aims at prevention of inappropriate or unnecessary use of antibiotics. The planned activities are a reaction to the rise of antibiotic resistance, which is caused mainly by overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine, as well as by insufficient prevention measures and infection control facilitating the spread of resistant microbes in healthcare facilities and among general population. The main activity of the project will be social mass-media campaign aimed at general public. The aim of the activity is to increase awareness of general public about the risks of inappropriate use of antibiotics and build sustainable approach in the society to the wise use of antibiotics. The second part of the project is oriented towards health care providers. Guidelines for health care providers, mainly general practitioners and paediatricians, on rational use of antibiotics will be developed and introduced to health care providers at seminars across the Czech Republic. Based on data obtained from health insurance companies, the selected health care providers will be also offered feedback with regard to the use of antibiotics in their own practices. An increased level of awareness on importance of rational use of antibiotics and promotion of tailored treatment recommendations should contribute to the stop of increasing trends of antibiotic consumption in the Czech Republic.
Summary of project results
In response to the rise of ATB resistance, caused partly by misuse, the project aimed to curb consumption in Czechia. The project focused on (i) public awareness campaign on risks of ATB misuse, (ii) the development of Guidelines for ATB prescription along with an audit of prescribing practices among collaborating physicians. Main challenges were: gaining the consensus for the Guidelines, the COVID-19 pandemic, (time constraints on physicians), and antibiotic supply disruptions.
The project focused on public awareness campaign targeting the risks of inappropriate antibiotic use. The second part aimed on healthcare providers. An expert team developed Guidelines for antibiotic prescription for general practitioners and paediatricians. These were disseminated through seminars, printed materials, and project website. Prescription data from collaborating physicians were analysed before and after the intervention, individual feedback was provided. The project increased awareness of prudent antibiotic use, witnessing a positive perception from both the public and professional circles, and winning the IMC Czech Award 2022, and Effie Awards 2022.
The main outputs: (i) development and distribution of 12 clinical Guidances for ATB therapy (ii) organization of 2x2 seminars for general practitioners and paediatricians (iii) implementation of an intervention model and prescription practice audit before/after intervention (iv) realisation of a campaign, increasing awareness and the consequences of ATB misuse (2022 vs 2021: Increase in knowledge of “ATB resistance” by 19 %); (v) increased interest in care quality evaluation (secondary effect).
Project created detailed analysis of data from cooperating general practitioners, with a reported decrease of antibiotic use in Czechia by 0,59% (the increase was expected). The project''s information campaign has been completed with a reach of more than 2,8 million people on Facebook. Animated clips on Youtube attracted more than 2,4 million views. Recommendations for paramedics dealing with antiobiotics were published with the support of Norwegian partner.
Summary of bilateral results
he collaboration with the Norwegian partner has yielded several key results: (i) there has been successful knowledge and best practice sharing in the area of Antibiotic Prescription Recommendations. The Norwegian partner provided expertise in designing these recommendations to maximize their potential impact. (ii) participation in the KMINE conference, which gave the Czech side insight into best practices that could lead to more effective solutions to problems related to antimicrobial resistance, hospital infections, and ensuring uninterrupted supplies of antibiotics to the market. The collaboration demonstrated that the Norwegian partner''s best practices can serve as a model for the Czech Republic. However, the COVID-19 pandemic limited opportunities for in-person meetings, which had a negative impact on the potential scope of the collaboration. Nonetheless, it became evident that personal interactions, such as the Norwegian partner''s participation in the conference in Olomouc, represent significant added value for both parties and are crucial for sharing best practices in addressing this globally important threat.