Background
While antibiotics are the cornerstone in the treatment of infectious diseases, irrational use contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance with consequences at both the individual and societal level. A substantial part of antibiotic use outside hospitals is prescribed for self-limiting infections where the benefit is small. The Norwegian government has set a goal of reducing antibiotic use nationally by 30 % by the year 2020. This goal has already been partially achieved, and a reduction of at least 24 % has been achieved by 2018. We ask if this reduction has a cost in the form of increased incidence of complications as a result of untreated infections in primary care.
Over the past 10 years, Norway has established health registers that enable studies of the course of infections in detail. By compiling data from several registers, we will be able to get valid answers to a number of questions related to antibiotic prescribing and antibiotic use outside hospitals. A special focus will be perspectives on collaboration between various levels of the health services. In-depth analyses where antibiotic use is linked to risk factors may increase the understanding of why and how antibiotic-related side effect risk, morbidity and death in the population. Such knowledge will contribute to optimise prescribing practices.
Aims
One of the main objectives of this project is to assess the incidence of complications after infections in the period 2012-2019, corresponding to the period of the reductions in antibiotic use.
The project is divided into sub-projects with individual aims and research questions.
Examples of sub-projects:
- Children (ear infections and respiratory infections)
- Sinusitis
- Urinary tract infections and methenamine use
- Long-term antibiotic use in acne
Financing
Norwegian Research Fund for General Practice, The Research Council of Norway, Department of General Practice
Cooperation
Start - End
2019 - 2030