Ten golden rules for optimal antibiotic use in hospital settings: the WARNING call to action

Abstract

Antibiotics are recognized widely for their benefits when used appropriately. However, they are often used inappropriately despite the importance of responsible use within good clinical practice. Effective antibiotic treatment is an essential component of universal healthcare, and it is a global responsibility to ensure appropriate use. Currently, pharmaceutical companies have little incentive to develop new antibiotics due to scientific, regulatory, and financial barriers, further emphasizing the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. To address this issue, the Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery established an international multidisciplinary task force of 295 experts from 115 countries with different backgrounds. The task force developed a position statement called WARNING (Worldwide Antimicrobial Resistance National/International Network Group) aimed at raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance and improving antibiotic prescribing practices worldwide. The statement outlined is 10 axioms, or “golden rules,” for the appropriate use of antibiotics that all healthcare workers should consistently adhere in clinical practice.

Hospital prescribing patterns of antibiotics in Zambia using the WHO prescribing indicators post-COVID-19 pandemic: findings and implications

“… 53 , 144–150 In addition, our findings point to the necessity of developing and putting into practice measures that encourage the rational prescribing and use of antibiotics, which is consistent with the findings of other research. 1 , 24 , 25 , 151–153 In addition, there is a need to promote hospital-based ASPs to assist prescribers in adhering to treatment guidelines and prescribing antibiotics for the appropriate patient, at the appropriate time, in the appropriate dose, for the appropriate duration, via the appropriate route of administration, and for the appropriate indication, as was reported in other studies. 60 , 154–160 …”

“…Antibiotics are a class of medicines used to treat bacterial infections, 1 , 2 and their discovery has revolutionized modern medicine to help save countless lives of patients suffering from infectious diseases. 2 , 3 These medicines represent the most frequently prescribed therapeutic agents in medical facilities, especially in developing countries, where their usage has risen in recent years.…”

Antimicrobial Stewardship in Pediatric Emergency Medicine: A Narrative Exploration of Antibiotic Overprescribing, Stewardship Interventions, and Performance Metrics

“…Recognizing the need for advancements, integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning methodologies into AMS interventions holds promise for optimizing antibiotic prescription practices in PEM. These techniques can assist in real-time decision support and identifying patterns in antibiotic use [ 141 , 142 ].…”

Community antibiotic consumption and associated factors in Lusaka district of Zambia: findings and implications for antimicrobial resistance and stewardship

“…However, the study provided critical information on the consumption of antibiotics and associated predisposing factors among community members, and this can form the basis for developing and implementing interventional strategies. 74 , 77–79 , 151 Additionally, educational activities may be used to promote the awareness and knowledge of community members of AMR. Intriguingly, the findings of this study may be used to promote community engagement in the fight against AMR.…”