Authored on 24 January 2024 by Dr R Karunadasa,
Reviewed 24 January 2024 by Adeel Arshad.
Next review due: 24 January 2027
Antibiotic stewardship
Introduction
Written by Dr R Karunadasa, Chief Medical Officer, and reviewed by Adeel Arshad, Registered Manager and Clinical Lead.
Antibiotics are an essential and often life-saving treatment. Like all medicines, their benefits and risks must be carefully balanced not only in the short term, but across a patient’s lifetime.
Overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to a global rise in antimicrobial resistance. This is when bacteria develop the ability to resist treatment, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risks associated with serious illnesses such as pneumonia and sepsis. The World Health Organization recognises antimicrobial resistance as one of the most significant threats to modern healthcare. World Health Organization – Antimicrobial resistance.
Resistance in context
When speaking with patients, this risk is often described in practical terms. As we get older, we want effective antibiotics to remain available if we ever develop a serious or life-threatening infection. That protection can be reduced if antibiotics are repeatedly overused earlier in life for non-critical conditions.
This does not mean patients should feel anxious about using antibiotics for conditions such as acne or rosacea when they are clinically appropriate. Responsible antibiotic stewardship focuses on:
- Prescribing antibiotics only when there is a clear clinical benefit
- Using the lowest effective dose
- Limiting treatment to defined periods of time
- Supporting oral antibiotics with topical treatments where suitable, which do not carry the same resistance risk
Antibiotic stewardship at PrivateDoc
At PrivateDoc, antibiotic stewardship is aligned with UK regulatory and public health guidance, including the national approach to tackling antimicrobial resistance across human health. This reflects the wider UK strategy to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and preserve their effectiveness for the future. UK Government – Confronting antimicrobial resistance 2024 to 2029.
Antibiotic stewardship at PrivateDoc is underpinned by an open, trusted relationship between patient and clinician. Consulting a qualified healthcare professional helps ensure antibiotics are used appropriately, with proper clinical oversight and informed consent, reducing the risk of inadvertent overuse.
We actively support our patients and will challenge prescribing or ongoing use where a medicine is not being used safely or prudently. This approach protects patients now, while helping preserve antibiotic effectiveness for the future.
A useful way to think about this relationship is the same way you might think about a skilled mechanic or gas engineer. Their role is not simply to offer the easiest option, but to use their expertise to recommend the safest and most appropriate one.
In some cases, treatment may involve using tablets to bring a condition under control and then switching to a topical treatment for longer term maintenance. Our clinicians will guide patients through these decisions and advise on the most appropriate options for ongoing care, in line with national prescribing and stewardship principles.
How patients can help prevent antimicrobial resistance
Patients play an important role in protecting the effectiveness of antibiotics. Simple, evidence-based steps can reduce unnecessary exposure and help slow the development of resistance.
Only use antibiotics when they are prescribed for you
Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, not viral illnesses such as colds or flu. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases resistance without providing benefit. gov.uk
Use antibiotics exactly as advised by your clinician
Take the dose, frequency and duration recommended for your specific condition. This ensures treatment is effective while limiting unnecessary antibiotic exposure. NHS.uk
Avoid longer courses than necessary
Modern antibiotic stewardship focuses on using the shortest effective duration, rather than automatically extending treatment. Your clinician will advise what is appropriate for you. gov.uk
Do not share antibiotics or use leftover medication
Antibiotics should never be shared or saved for future use. Using the wrong antibiotic or dose can be ineffective and increase resistance. NHS.uk
Combine antibiotics with non-antibiotic treatments where advised
For some conditions, antibiotics are used alongside topical or supportive treatments that help reduce reliance on repeated antibiotic courses. NHS.uk
Talk to your clinician if symptoms improve or change
If your symptoms resolve earlier than expected or you experience side effects, speak with your clinician rather than continuing or stopping treatment without guidance. Shared decision-making is a key part of responsible antibiotic use. PMC (NIH)
About this information
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for an individual clinical consultation.
Content is based on reputable clinical sources and aims to present both benefits and risks where relevant.
Reviewed at least annually as part of our clinical governance process.