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Antimicrobial Stewardship – prescribing practices in ethnically diverse urban population

Venkatram NAVANEandHA KRISHNAN and Thanushree VENKATRAM

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a natural phenomenon that arises as microorganisms adapt and evolve, human activity also accelerates the process when antimicrobials are used inappropriately. The UK government has developed guidance regarding antimicrobial prescribing and stewardship (APS). As part of the APS competency framework, healthcare professionals are urged to perform antimicrobial prescribing audits and use the results to inform prescribing practices and improve patient careConsultations at Sangam Surgery from October 13th- 31st 2025 was accessed via EMIS web. Basic information regarding patient demographics, presenting complaints (cough or sore throat), and consultation type (face-to-face or telephone) was recorded. Further information required to evaluate prescribing practices against NICE’s URTI antimicrobial guidelines and the RCPG TARGET audit toolkits was also recorded. All data processing was performed on Microsoft Excel.We aim to review prescribing practices of Senior doctors at our practice and one of the authors who was not involved in clinical care reviewed and analysed the data of patients presenting with acute coughs, and sore throats. Each set includes a graphic of the decision-making process for antimicrobial prescribing, followed by tables outlining the antibiotics of choice for different age groups.19/65 of them not prescribed anything, 11 of them were prescribed back-up/delayed antibiotics, 35 of them were prescribed immediate antibiotics 34 /46 with appropriate antibiotic, dose, and duration. 46 of them were appropriately managed in regard to antimicrobials. 4/15 of them were not prescribed anything, 1 of them were prescribed back-up/delayed antibiotics, 10 of them were prescribed immediate antibioticsUse of NICE URTI prescribing guidance by all doctors in the practice . Choice of antibiotic, dose, and course length should always take into consideration the patient’s demographics Documentation of clinical examinations and recording of  fever, cough, tonsillar exudate, and cervical lymphadenopathy should be present in the notes Clinicians should discuss the Natural history and average length of their suspected infection b. Appropriate antibiotic use and the consequences of antimicrobial resistanceAdvice given to patients and should include fluids, temperature control, and pain management and safety-netting documentation Encourage use of “Treating Your Respiratory Tract Infection” leaflet available via the RCGP TARGET website