An ongoing national programme to reduce antibiotic prescription and use

Abstract

High levels of antibiotic use have been associated with higher levels of antimicrobial resistance. The National Prescribing Service (NPS) has been running national programs to reduce prescription and use of antibiotics in Australia since 1999. These programs have used a range of strategies to influence general practitioners, community pharmacists and consumers. Over time, there have been modest changes in consumer attitudes towards antibiotics and antibiotic prescription rates continue to decline.