Leaders with the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently partnered for the ninth annual Get Smart About Antibiotics Week to fight against antibiotic resistance.
The week starts Nov. 14. The purpose is to raise awareness of the dangers of antibiotic resistance. Participants will highlight how essential it is to use antibiotics appropriately in all health care situations.
"Antibiotics are critical adjuncts to modern medicine, are vital to performing effective surgical procedures and provide medical treatment for a variety of serious illnesses," Dr. Lauri Hicks, director for CDC's Office of Antibiotic Stewardship, said. "Alarmingly, we are facing the end of the antibiotic era because antibiotics are being inappropriately prescribed and used, which contributes to antibiotic resistance. It is crucial that antibiotics are used only when absolutely necessary."
As part of the week, NPSF will host a webcast, called "Taking Action to Combat Antibiotic Resistance and Improve Antibiotic Use."
"We are very pleased to be partnering with the CDC in this important work," Dr. Tejal Gandhi, president and CEO at NPSF, said. "Antibiotic resistance is a serious threat in hospitals and health settings, but also in our communities. Education is a key part of turning this problem around."
