[Rational antibiotic prescribing. Challenges and successes]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Control
• Healthcare Policy

Context:

• Prudent antibiotic prescribing is vital in both hospital and ambulatory settings.
• Germany faces challenges in meeting prerequisites for effective antibiotic policies, notably a lack of trained personnel.
• Existing national programs show progress but require sustained support.

Purpose:

• To assess the current state of antibiotic use and resistance control in Germany.
• To identify challenges and successes in implementing antibiotic stewardship strategies.
• To outline future perspectives and investment needs for combating antibiotic resistance.

Summary:

• Germany's antibiotic stewardship efforts are hindered by insufficient data and trained personnel.
• Initiatives like the German Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring System (GERMAP) and Antibiotic Stewardship (ABS) programs demonstrate progress.
• Future success hinges on evaluating guideline adherence, developing quality indicators, and investing in specialized training for healthcare professionals.

Impact:

• Highlights critical gaps in Germany's antibiotic resistance control infrastructure.
• Underscores the need for enhanced training and certification in infectious diseases and infection control.
• Provides a roadmap for strengthening national strategies against antibiotic resistance through targeted investment and policy development.