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Antimicrobial stewardship in rural districts of South Africa: growing a positive culture

Published in: South African Family Practice
Volume 61 , issue 6 , 2019 , pages: 276–281

DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2019.1680009

Author(s): Klaus B von Pressentin Mossel Bay Sub-district, Garden Route District, South Africa , Hendré Swanepoel Van Rensburg Lancet, South Africa , Jessica JS Opie Division of Haematology, National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa , Louis S Jenkins Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, South Africa

Keywords: antimicrobial stewardship , hospitals , district , drug resistance , microbial , physicians , family , pathologists

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Abstract

Background: The success of medical specialist-led antimicrobial stewardship activities in urban tertiary health care settings has been well documented. The issue of antimicrobial resistance remains an ongoing concern. This has particular relevance in primary health care communities treated from sub-district health services, which are organised around level-one district hospitals. District hospitals are typically staffed by generalist clinicians or medical officers with minimal access to the medical specialist physicians and pathologists who are available in the urban academic centres. Coordinated team-based activities aimed at implementing the South African Antibiotic Stewardship Programme (SAASP) principles of antimicrobial use are necessary.

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