Antibiotic Prescribing Trends in a UK Secondary Care Setting: A 2019–2020 Medical Records Review Using the WHO AWaRe Classification

This study investigates shifts in antibiotic prescribing practices in a UK secondary care setting during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting implications for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Using data from 640 patient records, it compares antibiotic use before and during the pandemic, with findings showing a notable increase in "Watch" category antibiotics, such as azithromycin and clarithromycin, and a doubling in levofloxacin use. These trends underscore the need for stringent antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) to ensure responsible prescribing. The study stresses the importance of enhanced AMS practices and sustained monitoring efforts to address AMR effectively and safeguard patient outcomes during health crises.