Introduction to resistance

As we begin to explore and learn more about antimicrobial stewardship our initial focus in Week 1 is going to be on the topic of resistance.

While the topic of this course is intrinsically linked to the subject of antimicrobial resistance it will not go into detail about the mechanisms of resistance of microbes to the drugs we use against them. Knowledge of this topic is not essential to be able to complete this module and participate in antimicrobial stewardship programmes but if you do want to gain a basic understanding of the various ways in which bacteria can destroy or overcome the effects of antibiotics, you may the PDF in “downloads” useful.

In this video Professor Neil Woodford, who heads Public Health England’s national reference laboratory for confirming unusual resistance in bacteria, provides a brief introduction to this important issue.

As you work through this week’s activities you will develop your understanding of:

• What resistance is and why it matters
• How resistance has developed
• The relationship between prescribing and resistance
• The role of measurement in resistance
• What can be done about resistance