Antibiotic Prescribing: A Study from an English NHS Foundation Trusts During The COVID-19 Pandemic - Sustainability Development

Abstract

Antibiotic Prescribing: A Study from an English NHS Foundation Trusts During The COVID-19 Pandemic - Sustainability Development. This retrospective study examines antibiotic prescribing practices at an English NHS Foundation Trust before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analyses data from electronic medical records of adult patients with respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in 2019 and 2020. Findings indicate significant shifts in antibiotic use, notably increased prescriptions of Azithromycin and Amoxiclav during the pandemic. These changes underscore the urgent need for robust antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) to combat the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and ensure the effective, safe use of antibiotics in healthcare.