# E-DRUG: Reviews of antibiotic use **URL:** \ **Category:** e-drug\ **Created:** [April 10, 1997, 3:25pm UTC](https://talk.edrugplus.org/t/e-drug-reviews-of-antibiotic-use/614 "1997-04-10T15:25:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![drossdeg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@drossdeg](https://talk.edrugplus.org/u/drossdeg)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 1997, 3:25pm UTC](https://talk.edrugplus.org/t/e-drug-reviews-of-antibiotic-use/614/1 "1997-04-10T15:25:55Z")
Re: antibiotic (mis)use ----------------------- Dear David. Unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics is clearly a major problem in all countries, resulting in wasted resources and contributing to the development of antibiotic resistance. Our recent review of evidence from developing countries completed for the International Conference on Improving Use of Medicines has shown that strategies like (1) focused, problem-oriented training on treatment for diarrhea and respiratory infections, (2) supervision or self-monitoring using simple indicators, and (3) peer group-oriented guideline development can all reduce unnecessary use. However, less is not always better. I suggest that from a developing country viewpoint, you do not want to limit your attention to problems of overuse. Failure to prescribe antibiotics correctly when they are needed, and failure to obtain and complete a full course of therapy, may be much more significant in their immediate clinical effects. For example, studies in a number of countries in Africa and Asia focused on improved community case management for pneumonia (better prescribing of recommended therapies) have demonstrated dramatic reductions in child mortality. Dennis Ross-Degnan Drug Policy Research Group Dept. of Ambulatory Care & Prevention Harvard Medical School Tel: +1 617-421-2631 126 Brookline Avenue, Suite 200 Fax: +1 617-859-8112 Boston, MA 02215 USA E:mail: drossdeg@warren.med.harvard.edu -- Send mail for the `E-Drug' conference to `e-drug@usa.healthnet.org'. Mail administrative requests to `majordomo@usa.healthnet.org'. For additional assistance, send mail to: `owner-e-drug@usa.healthnet.org'.