Antimicrobial resistance and the shift to shorter courses of antibiotics

On this episode of the CMAJ Podcast, Dr. Mojola Omole and Dr. Blair Bigham explore the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance and how shorter courses of antibiotics are reshaping prescribing practices. The conversation builds on insights from the CMAJ practice article “Five things to know about shorter courses of antibiotics” co-authored by Dr. Maria Ivankovic, an emergency physician at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto.

Dr. Ivankovic explains why shorter courses of antibiotics are as effective as longer ones for many common infections and how this approach can reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance and adverse effects for patients. She highlights key conditions with strong evidence for shorter durations and discusses practical strategies for implementing these changes in practice.

Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist and professor of medicine at the University of Alberta, broadens the discussion by examining the current state of antimicrobial resistance in Canada and globally. She explores the drivers of resistance, including unnecessary and inappropriate antibiotic use. Dr. Saxinger introduces the concept of the antibiotic footprint as an analogue to the carbon footprint, encouraging physicians to consider the collective impact of their prescribing decisions.

This episode provides actionable advice for physicians looking to balance patient care with stewardship practices, helping to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.

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