Establishing a pharmacist–prescriber partnership in publicly funded primary healthcare clinics to optimisantibiotic prescribing in the Western Cape: An exploratory study
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Date
2020
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Abstract
Promoting evidence-based antibiotic prescribing through successful antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes is critical to preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics for common infections in primary care. This requires a coordinated multidisciplinary effort. Such pharmacist–prescriber partnerships have been effective in high-income countries (HICs). Yet, evidence generated in such countries is not always applicable because of different social determinants of health. Methods: A multidisciplinary workshop was conducted with pharmacists and clinicians (doctors, nurses) on community-based antibiotic stewardship, the purpose of which was to explore how and where such partnerships might work in publicly funded primary care clinics in the greater Cape Metro region. Results: Participants perceived that promoting effective AMS was a priority for South African primary healthcare. However, it was clear that there are many hurdles to overcome working in settings that are relatively resource-poor. Prescribing guidelines needed to be harmonised. Participants felt that staff training on the principles of AMS should be mandatory.
Description
Keywords
AMS, Antibiotics, Antimicrobial stewardship, Pharmacy, Primary care
Citation
Coetzee, R., & Van Hecke, O. L. (2020). Establishing a pharmacist–prescriber partnership in publicly funded primary healthcare clinics to optimisantibiotic prescribing in the Western Cape: An exploratory study. South African Family Practice, 62(1),a5090, 1-4