title: Key issues in developing antibiotic policies: from an institutional level to Europe-wide. European Study Group on Antibiotic Policy (ESGAP), Subgroup III.
abstract: Establishment of a rational antibiotic policy (RAP) is a key issue for both better care of patients and combating antimicrobial resistance [1-5]. The problem of rational antibiotic use is complex [6,7] and requires co-ordination of the activities of healthcare authorities, institutions and individual practitioners. Furthermore, on a community basis, it involves restriction of non-human usage of antibiotics [8] and awareness of society about both the useful and harmful effects of antibiotics [9] and, on a national basis, participation of governmental [10] and non-governmental [11] organizations in collaboration with European and international medical societies [12-14]. The rational use of antibiotics should be established in both hospital and ambulatory settings [10]. Institutional, regional, national and global aspects of antibiotic policies should be considered [2].
authors: Department of Microbiology, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria. keuleyan@medfac.acad.bg
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Keuleyan
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Gould
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D005060:Europe; D006268:Health Facilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D007391:International Cooperation; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents