What has happened to antimicrobial usage in primary care in the United Kingdom since the SMAC report? - Description of trends in antimicrobial usage using the General Practice Research Database

Abstract

For the SMAC recommendation to limit prescribing for uncomplicated cystitis to 3 days in otherwise fit women there has been demonstrable impact since the publication of the SMAC report. For two recommendations (no prescribing of antibiotics for simple coughs and colds; no prescribing of antibiotics for viral sore throats) the impact has been less clear against the background of a general reduction in antimicrobial prescribing.