E-DRUG: Rational Use of Antibiotics
-----------------------------------
Dear E-drug subscribers,
I am currently carrying out an information search for the Integrated Health
Programme in Namibia. They have asked Healthlink for information on the
rational use of antibiotics. Broadly speaking the search can be split into
two main areas:
1. Articles that show the impact (economically and clinically) of
prescribing antibiotics where not needed, and articles that show how to
bring about long term changes in the prescribing practices of doctors and
nurses.
2. Scientific research articles that compare the benefits between
benzylpenicillin / ampicillin / gentamicin which are all older and cheaper
and on the Essential drugs list compared to the more expensive cefuroxime /
metronidazole injections. Articles that promote the use of the antibiotics
that are on the Namibian Essential Drugs list are required. Also needed are
articles that look at the optimum duration of treatment with IV antibiotics
before changing to oral.
I'm new to this discussion group and hope it is appropriate to ask for such
information. Any information on recent research / initiatives would be most
welcome. Several people I have contacted have been very interested in this
as an issue. If you do not want to clog up this list you can e-mail me
directly at the address below.
Thank you in advance.
David Curtis
curtis.d@healthlink.org.uk
David Curtis
Healthlink Worldwide (formerly AHRTAG)
Farringdon Point
29-35 Farringdon Road
London EC1M 3JB, UK
Tel +44 (0)171 242 0606
Fax +44 (0)171 242 0041 info@healthlink.org.uk
http://www.healthlink.org.uk
Healthlink Worldwide (formerly AHRTAG) works to improve the health of poor
and vulnerable communities by strengthening the provision, use and impact
of information