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Community pharmacists—Leaders for antibiotic stewardship in respiratory tract infection
Author(s) -
Essack S.,
Bell J.,
Shephard A.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.622
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1365-2710
pISSN - 0269-4727
DOI - 10.1111/jcpt.12650
Subject(s) - pharmacist , stewardship (theology) , antibiotic stewardship , pharmacy , antibiotics , medicine , respiratory tract infections , antimicrobial stewardship , medical prescription , general partnership , community pharmacy , clinical pharmacy , antibiotic resistance , pharmacy practice , nursing , family medicine , intensive care medicine , political science , microbiology and biotechnology , respiratory system , politics , law , biology
Summary What is known and objective Hospital‐based pharmacists are established antibiotic stewards, but the potential for community pharmacists is largely untapped. This commentary explores the potential leadership role of the community pharmacist in antibiotic stewardship using upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) as an example. Comment Community pharmacists are well placed for antibiotic stewardship, possessing the capability (knowledge of medicines), opportunity (contact with prescribers and patients) and inherent commitment. Providing further motivation with information on patient education has great potential to change patient behaviour with respect to consulting a healthcare professional for an antibiotic prescription. A Global Respiratory Infection Partnership pharmacy‐led educational initiative was shown to have a positive impact and can promote appropriate self‐management of URTI and reduce levels of inappropriate antibiotic use. What is new and conclusion Community pharmacists are ideally placed as antibiotic stewards to lead the quest to contain the threat of antibiotic resistance.