The Sagunt Health District reduces antibiotic use by 24% among children under 15 years of age

The Sagunt Health Department evaluated the campaign Doctor, my son’s throat hurts! Do you need antibiotics?With the aim of improving the use of antibiotics in boys and girls under 15 years of age with suspected pharyngitis and tonsillitis. With this initiative, according to health sources,… Antibiotic use among children decreased by 24%. From the Health Directorate The good results of the program are highlightedIt was launched on the occasion of the European Day for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics, which is celebrated on 18 November every year.

This campaign began in May, when A multidisciplinary group from the department’s community PROA team prepared personalized medical reports for each pediatrician and continuing care physician In the Sagunt Health Region, in parallel a training activity was disseminated among all health professionals to encourage the use of the Streptococcus Pyogenes test.

Rapid diagnostic test

This allows rapid diagnostic testing Find out whether or not a sore throat accompanied by fever and other symptoms is caused by this type of bacteria. If the test is positive, antibiotics will be recommended, but if the test is negative, the origin of the pharyngitis and tonsillitis is likely viral, so taking antibiotics would not be necessary or justified.

According to primary care pharmacist and PROA community team coordinator, Estefania Gomez, after five months of the intervention, the use of S. Pyogenes tests in the department has doubled and The number of antibiotic containers dispensed to children decreased by 24% compared to the same period of the previous yearwithout increasing complications or worsening the healing process for minors.

bad habits

These good results encourage us to continue working at the Sagunt Health Department to raise awareness among the general population Avoid certain habits or bad habits related to misuse AntibioticsSince not all sore throat infections require this medication.