The Staggering Death Toll of Drug-Resistant Bacteria!

Four Patients Die from Antibiotic-Resistant Infections every HOUR!

Interview with Josh Ohrtman, Doctor of Pharmacy, South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care

by Charlotte Hofer

1. Josh, the numbers are staggering - 4 patients every hour die from antibiotic-resistant infections in the US.  What can we do? 

If medications to treat conditions such as elevated lipids or hypertension are used inappropriately, it can pose a risk to an individual patient. However, in addition to the individual patient, inappropriate use of antibiotics can also put the general public at risk. In fact, overuse of antibiotics is a primary driver for antibiotic-resistant organisms according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

2. Physicians work hard to keep patients healthy; antibiotics are powerful and effective.  Sometimes patients request antibiotics- even when unnecessary. What should physicians know about responding to patients who think the solution is antibiotics?

Antibiotic expectations and customer ratings are important to consider. Fortunately, the CDC has done an amazing job providing resources for patients and providers. Antibiotic Use CDC

There are printable materials for educating patients on viral vs. bacterial infections. The resources also provide physicians with strategies discussing symptom management and antibiotic alternatives when use is not warranted. 

3. Science is always changing - as we learn more, we adjust protocols and guidelines.  Are there new guidelines/ resources? Where can physicians see updated info?

The CDC has updated antibiotic recommendations of therapy, including guidance on conditions not warranting antibiotics. One of the most notable updates is the ADA’s recommendation to no longer use clindamycin for infective endocarditis prophylaxis in dentistry.  

4. Being proactive as a patient about your own health is important. What should the public know?

Antibiotics treatment isn’t always the best option. While antibiotics are useful, patients must understand risks associated with unnecessary use. Patients shouldn’t assume antibiotics are necessary and reduce placing pressure on clinicians. Allow physicians to use their clinical judgement when weighing the risks/ benefits of antibiotics. 

It's also important for patients and families to understand- stomach upsets from penicillin is not necessarily a medication allergy. Antibiotics, including penicillin, will potentially disrupt the gastrointestinal system and cause stomach upset, diarrhea and/or nausea. When patients tell healthcare providers they are allergic to penicillin, alternative antibiotic agents may be significantly more adverse. 

5. What’s the most important thing physicians should know about antimicrobial resistance? 

Antibiotics gave opportunities to treat life- threatening infections, which led to excitement and gross overuse. We now see antibiotic overuse effects. Having strong patient care partnerships is essential to educating about the negative impacts of antibiotics. This aids in changing public perception on necessity and perceived lack of risk associated with use. Clinicians in direct patient care can facilitate this essential education process. 

Healthcare facilities wanting updated treatment guidelines, education, or assistance with using antibiotics appropriately, contact the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care at sdfmc.org