Pharmacists can address antibiotics knowledge gap in those with sore throat
An international group of healthcare experts is encouraging pharmacists to help reduce the number of people taking antibiotics for sore throats.
The Global Respiratory Infection Partnership (GRIP) – which is committed to educating professionals on antibiotic misuse in respiratory illnesses – commissioned a study with manufacturer Reckitt.
The Sore Throat and Antibiotic Resistance (STAR) study was carried out in May and examined 12,000 adults across 12 countries who had experienced respiratory symptoms that they had treated in the previous six months.
Of these participants, half had taken antibiotics for a respiratory condition like a sore throat within the previous six months.
The study found that three out of five adults under 35 believed antibiotics are effective for sore throat and 45% of adults under 35 did not know how to treat respiratory conditions without antibiotics.
Read more: The Thérèse Coffey antibiotic-sharing reports leave a bitter aftertaste
STAR concluded that the public’s misunderstanding on how to treat sore throats may be leading to antibiotic overuse.
GRIP’s suggested approach
However, most sore throats do not need antibiotics to clear up and the GRIP is encouraging pharmacists to follow a simple approach for sore throats to aid responsible management of antibiotics.
The idea is to encourage pharmacists to talk to every patient with a sore throat to:
1. Assess their symptoms
2. Check for red flags and risk factors
3. Offer expert advice and treatment options.
The belief is that by providing advice, pharmacists can reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics to help mitigate global antimicrobial resistance.
Read more: Think tank: Pharmacists should be trained on antimicrobial resistance
GRIP chair Sabiha Essack said that the organisation “understands the vital role that pharmacists play in educating the public on appropriate antibiotic use and is working to support pharmacy personnel with educational resources”.
Latest data published by the UK Health Security Agency found that in 2021, there were the equivalent of 148 severe antibiotic-resistant infections a day.
How can pharmacists promote antibiotic awareness? Complete our CPD module on the C+D Community to refresh your knowledge.
