Pharmacy Magazine has published a piece on antibiotic-resistant infections written by Antibiotic Research UK’s Arlene Brailey. The magazine is the biggest publisher in the Pharmacy sector in the UK. Arlene runs the charity’s Patient Support Service, offering advice and reassurance to people with resistant infections.
Raising awareness
The magazine reaches around 15,000 readers per issue, many of those being medical professionals. This type of feature is a vitally important part of the charity’s work to raise awareness and to educate people about the risks posed by drug-resistant infections. Download the article (PDF).
Looking out for drug-resistant infections
The article explains the challenges that healthcare professionals face when it comes to recognising an antibiotic-resistant infection.
“It can be hard to recognise a drug-resistant infection, but simply being alert to the possibility can make a significant difference to a patient’s life.” Arlene Brailey.
Arlene brings the topic to life using her own experience as a pharmacist, alongside the words of people affected by resistant infections. She tells the story of a young woman, Rachael, who developed sepsis due to a difficult-to-treat urinary tract infection (UTI).
“I believed I had always used antibiotics correctly, so wouldn’t have been at risk of antibiotic resistance. But I realised to my horror that an infection caused by drug-resistant bacteria can happen to anybody. Even me!” Rachael*
The Pharmacy Magazine article also explains ways that clinicians can support patients with resistant infections. This included resources they can use to guide their conversations and to share with patients who wish to learn more.
Supporting patients
It’s not always easy for healthcare professionals to know where to send patients who want more information. The article showcases the charity’s Patient Support Service, which helps people affected by resistant infections. This vital service provides a listening ear, reassurance and (non-medical) advice to people who are often facing a very challenging time.
If you, or someone you love, has a resistant infection, you can contact our free Patient Support Service. We also offer a range of resources for medical professionals.
*Name changed to protect identity.