‘Patient perceptions drive frivolous antibiotic use in India’, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• Antimicrobial resistance causes approximately 5 million deaths annually.
• In India, over half a billion antibiotic prescriptions are issued yearly in the private sector alone.
• A study in Karnataka and Bihar involving 2,282 private providers revealed a significant "know-do gap" in antibiotic prescription.
• Provider's belief that patients wanted antibiotics was the main driver for over-prescription, not financial incentives or drug availability.

Detailed Insights:

• The "know-do gap" refers to the discrepancy between what healthcare providers know is correct and what they actually do in practice.
• Studies show that approximately 70% of childhood diarrhoea cases in India are treated with antibiotics, despite most being viral and treatable with ORS and zinc.
• Closing the knowledge gap would only reduce inappropriate prescribing by about 6%, while addressing the know-do gap could reduce it by 30%.
• Patients prioritize kindness, trust, and overall treatment quality over receiving antibiotics, highlighting a mismatch in provider perception.
• Less-trained providers, including pharmacists and rural medical practitioners, exhibit the most significant know-do gaps.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): The ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs, making infections harder to treat.
• Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS): A solution of salts and sugar used to treat dehydration caused by diarrhea.
• Know-Do Gap: The difference between knowledge and actual practice, especially in healthcare settings.