What's Happening?
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has included Pharmacy First data in its report on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) for the first time. The report, part of the English surveillance programme for antimicrobial utilization and resistance for 2024/2025,
reveals that 80% of antimicrobials were prescribed in primary care in 2024, with 4% dispensed through Pharmacy First. During the first 11 months of the Pharmacy First service, over 1.2 million antimicrobial items were dispensed, with phenoxymethylpenicillin, nitrofurantoin, flucloxacillin, and amoxicillin being the most common. The report also notes a decrease in NHS antibiotic prescribing levels compared to pre-pandemic figures, while private dispensing in community pharmacies has more than doubled since 2019. Additionally, antibiotic-resistant infections have increased by 13% since 2019, with significant disparities in infection rates between deprived and affluent communities.
Why It's Important?
The integration of Pharmacy First data into the UKHSA's AMR report underscores the evolving landscape of antibiotic prescribing and resistance. The rise in private prescriptions and antibiotic-resistant infections highlights the need for targeted interventions to manage AMR effectively. The disparities in infection rates between different socio-economic groups point to broader health inequalities that require attention. Pharmacy professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the appropriate use of antibiotics, which is vital for controlling AMR. The report's findings could influence public health policies and strategies aimed at reducing antibiotic resistance and addressing health disparities.
What's Next?
The UKHSA plans to launch the 'Keep antibiotics working' campaign during World AMR Awareness Week, starting on November 18, 2025. This initiative aims to educate the public on the responsible use of antibiotics and the importance of listening to healthcare professionals. The agency is also working with NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care on a national action plan to address AMR health inequalities. Efforts will focus on increasing data granularity to better understand disparities and developing interventions to support affected groups. A toolkit is being developed to assist healthcare professionals in taking action against AMR.
Beyond the Headlines
The report highlights ethical and social dimensions of healthcare access and antibiotic resistance. The disparities in infection rates between socio-economic groups suggest systemic issues that extend beyond healthcare, such as access to resources and education. Addressing these disparities requires a multi-faceted approach that includes social policy reforms and community engagement. The focus on data-driven interventions and healthcare professional support reflects a shift towards more personalized and equitable healthcare solutions.
