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This document identifies antibiotics as a significant factor contributing to the increase of infections such as MRSA, C. DIFF and VRE. Antibiotic Use and the Implications for HealthCare-Associated Infection(HCAI) is published by the College’s Policy Group on Healthcare-Associated Infection, which is chaired by Professor Hilary Humphreys one of  Ireland’s leading Consultant Microbiologists.

Healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) is a complex and challenging issue for society, involving multiple contributory factors. The RCPI Policy Group on Healthcare-Associated Infection, intends to publish a number of position papers on other contributory factors and topics related to HCAI over the next 12 months. The first topic to be addressed is antibiotic use and the implications for HCAI.

Speaking at the launch of the position paper Professor Humphreys said “Antibiotics are a precious health resource and should be used prudently. Many bacterial infections have become resistant to antibiotics because of the bacteria’s ability to change and adapt to different environments, including exposure to antibiotics. It is alarming that despite increasing awareness of this problem, Ireland is one of only three countries in Europe where outpatient antibiotic prescribing is increasing.“

“RCPI believe that medical education and training has an essential role to play in the reduction of antibiotic consumption in Ireland and has introduced a mandatory prescribing skills course for junior doctors on its postgraduate training programmes. The public can also assist by understanding that not every infection requires an antibiotic. Most common infections, and in particular colds and flu-like illnesses, are caused by viruses and therefore will not respond to antibiotics.”

Addressing members of the medical profession Professor Humphreys said “We must remember that this is a problem largely created by the medical profession itself, as until recently we were the only people in a position to prescribe antibiotics. Doctors and prescribing nurses must consider the benefits to the patient, including potential side effects, and the consequences for the wider community, in terms of antibiotic resistance.” 

 Key Points of the RCPI Policy Paper

·         In Ireland the general public often expect an antibiotic when they have an infection, but most common infections are caused by viruses and therefore do not respond to antibiotics.  Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses.

·         Many bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics because of their ability to change and adapt to different environments, including exposure to antibiotics. 

·         Unlike other medications, excessive antibiotic use has implications not only for the individual patient but also for the wider community, as excessive use leads to antibiotic resistant bacteria that affect us all.

·         As a precious health resource, antibiotics should be used prudently. If not, there are implications for all infections including Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs) such as MRSA.

·         Ireland is one of only three countries in Europe where outpatient antibiotic prescribing is increasing (3% since 2000). 

·         When prescribing an antibiotic, doctors must consider the benefits to the patient, including potential side effects, and the consequences for the wider community, in terms of antibiotic resistanc