Episode 34: Antibiotic Stewardship

Antibiotic Stewardship. What does it mean to you?

In this episode Dr. John Conly highlights the importance of antibiotic stewardship, which is the appropriate and optimal use of antibiotics in outpatient and inpatient settings. In 2000 the Director General of the World Health Organization reported antibiotic resistance as one of the greatest public health concerns, and in 2005 the World Health Assembly adopted an approach to look at antibiotic resistance on a global basis, as a public health challenge. John describes several cases of antibiotic resistance in different places of the world, and an increasing number of cases in hospital settings for inpatients and outpatients. He also provides a definition of antibiotic resistance and the reasons why it is important to take this issue seriously.

There are several programs available to learn about the proper use of antibiotics. John presents the six simple messages within the ‘Get Smart Program and he mentions the three key messages in the “Do Bugs Need Drugs” program.

Finally, John suggests some actions that patients should take when they meet with their physicians, such as initiating discussions about the need to use antibiotics, and asking for a deeper investigation on the causes of infection through the use of diagnostic tools. He concludes by describing several practical situations to ensure a wise use of antibiotics.

After listening to this podcast listeners will be able to:
1. Understand the importance of antibiotic resistance
2. Evaluate the messages to improve their own antibiotic stewardship
3. Consider possible actions to take for a wise use of antibiotics

John Conly, MD
John is a physician trained in infectious disease, and is a professor in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. Former Head for the Department of Medicine at U of C, John was the catalyst for the creation of W21C. His vision was to create a center that enables health system innovation through a state-of-the-art clinical and research space. Since its inception almost 10 years ago, W21C has engaged interdisciplinary researchers to collaborate on exciting approaches to improve patient safety and quality of care. His focus on innovation and multidisciplinary networking has contributed significantly to W21C success to date. John was the founding Co-Chair of the Canadian Hospital Epidemiology Committee, past President of the Canadian Infectious Disease Society, past Chairman of the Board for the Canadian Committee on Antibiotic Resistance and a previous Vice Chair for the Canadian Expert Drug Advisory Committee. He is currently a Board member for the Canadian Foundation for Infectious Diseases and the Editor-in-Chief for the Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology. He has received numerous career honours including the Joe DoupeYoung Investigator Award from the Canadian Society for Clinical Investigation, an Award of Excellence from the Riverdale Hospital, and the Distinguished Service Award from the Canadian Infectious Diseases Society. With over 120 peer-reviewed publications in his career, and over $10,000,000 in funding secured in the last 5 years alone, John has achieved substantial results in furthering his research agenda focused on innovative infection control.

References:
Bolan,  G.A., Sparling, F., Wasserheit, J. (2012). The Emerging Threat of Untreatable Gonococcal Infection. N Engl J Med,366, 6.
Kumarasamy, K., Toleman, M.A., Walsh, T.R., Bagaria, J., Butt, F,, Balakrishnan, R., et al. (2010). Emergence of a new antibiotic resistance mechanism in India, Pakistan, and the UK: molecular, biological, and epidemiological study. Lancet Infect Dis., 10(9), 597-602.
Lindsay, N., Conly, J.M., MacDonald, N.(2009). Embracing ecology to limit antimicrobial resistance. CMAJ, 180(4).

Read More:
For more information about the “Do Bugs Need Drugs?” program, click here.
For more information about the “Get Smart” program, click here