Antibiotic scripts on the rise in aged care: study
The study is the first to quantify antibiotic use nationwide among residents of aged care homes, researchers say
The total consumption of antibiotics in Australian residential aged care facilities (RACF) jumped by almost 40% in the decade to 2016, a nationwide study shows.
The annual prevalence of antibiotic use in elderly residents also rose from 64% to 70% in the same period, the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute researchers say.
Pharmacist and study lead author Dr Janet Sluggett (PhD) said the substantial increase in antibiotic scripts in this patient setting could jeopardise antimicrobial stewardship.
“Across the health system, we need to be really discerning about antibiotic use as much as possible to guard against antibiotic resistance, as well as unnecessary side effects for individuals,” she said.
