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Antimicrobial resistance

Let’s be honest, we’re too dependent on antibiotics

Antibiotics have transformed the work of medical professionals and saved millions of lives. However, we are now racing towards a post-antibiotic era where common infections and minor injuries could once again kill. In order to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistant bacteria, a significant decrease in antibiotic use in wound care is needed.[1]View reference information

At least 30% of antibiotics prescribed in the outpatient setting are unnecessary[2]View reference information

The overuse of antibiotics in unsuitable cases has led to increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with the following current and predicted outcomes:

Close-up of bacteria. Text in image: 30% of antibiotics prescribed in the outpatient setting are unnecessary.

Respond to AMR with Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS)

Infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria are harder to treat and lead to higher medical costs, prolonged hospital stays, and increased mortality. By controlling the microbes, infections can be prevented and thus reduce the need for antibiotics.[6]View reference information

AMS initiatives to educate healthcare workers and control the prescribing and targeting of antibiotics can reduce the likelihood of AMR. To be truly effective, action must be taken at every level in wound care, from specialist wound care clinics to home care.

Healthcare professional in a clinical setting applies a Sorbact dressing to an elderly man’s foot.

Sorbact dressings can form a valuable part of your AMS strategy

Based on natural processes and physical interactions, Sorbact removes bacteria, irreversibly binding them to its surface to reduce bioburden and support wound healing. By this mode of action, Sorbact dressings may lower the use of antibiotics and contribute to the management and prevention of wound infection.[7]View reference information

Read more about the fight against antimicrobial resistance
Image of Sorbact dressing with bacteria in the background. Text in image: Bacteria can’t resist Sorbact.

References

  1. Lipsky BA, Dryden M, et al. 2016. Antimicrobial stewardship in wound care: a Position Paper from the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy and European Wound Management Association. J Antimicrob Chemother. 71(11):3026-3035.

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  2. Fleming-Dutra K, Hersh A, et al. 2016. Prevalence of Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescriptions Among US Ambulatory Care Visits, 2010-2011. JAMA. 315(17):1864-1873.

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  3. WHO. 2016. Stop antimicrobial resistance now. World Health Organization.

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  4. WHO. 2020. Antibiotic resistance. World Health Organization. Fact sheet.

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  5. O’Neill J. 2016. Tackling drug-resistant infections globally: Final report and recommendations. Review on Antimicrobial Resistance.

    External link to reference5 (Opens in new tab) Back

  6. International Wound Infection Institute (IWII). 2016. Wound infection in clinical practice. Wounds International 2016.

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  7. Chadwick P and Ousey K. 2019. Bacterial-binding dressings in the management of wound healing and infection prevention: a narrative review. J Wound Care. 28(6):370-382.

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