Antimicrobial resistance is no longer a future threat – it’s a real and rising challenge that GP practices must address head-on to protect patient safety and public health
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on the UKHSA Blog
Imagine a time when everyday infections become dangerous because the antibiotics, we rely on no longer work. This isn’t science fiction – it’s already happening. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is on the rise, and it’s a growing threat to public health in the UK and around the world.
In 2023, there were an estimated 66,730 serious antibiotic-resistant infections in the UK – an increase from 62,314 in 2019, before the pandemic. As practice managers and primary care leaders, you have a vital role to play in educating patients, supporting appropriate prescribing and promoting behaviour change.
What Is AMR?
Antimicrobial resistance happens when bacteria and other microbes evolve to survive the medicines designed to kill them. In simple terms, the more we overuse or misuse antibiotics, the less effective they become.
This means common conditions – like urinary tract infections, skin infections or chest infections – could become harder, or even impossible, to treat. Some communities are more at risk than others. Research shows that Black British and Asian British populations face a higher chance of developing infections that do not respond well to antibiotics. This makes it even more important to ensure communication is tailored, inclusive and accessible across all patient groups.
What Is Being Done at National Level?
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is leading national efforts to tackle AMR as part of a 20-year strategy. Its current National Action Plan (2024–2029) includes the following initiatives:
Surveillance and Research: State-of-the-art research facilities help scientists study real-life hospital conditions without putting patients at risk. Key reports, such as the English Surveillance Programme for Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance (ESPAUR), track resistance trends and inform public health policy.
Rapid Response Teams: UKHSA’s specialist teams respond to outbreaks of drug-resistant infections and provide guidance for healthcare professionals on managing and preventing further spread.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Campaigns like the one featuring Andi Biotic, a child-friendly character, raise awareness about how to use antibiotics correctly emphasising that they should not be taken for viral infections like colds and flu.
What Practice Managers Can Do
Support Responsible Prescribing: Encourage your clinical teams to follow the latest antimicrobial prescribing guidelines. Consider embedding clinical decision support tools or prompt reminders into your systems to ensure antibiotics are prescribed only when truly necessary.
Engage with Patients: Use waiting room screens, posters, newsletters and social media channels to share messages about AMR. Help patients understand when antibiotics aren’t the answer and what alternatives they can try for common illnesses.
Tailor Communication for At-Risk Groups: Ensure that AMR messages are culturally appropriate and translated into languages commonly spoken in your community. Partner with local groups to help spread awareness more effectively.
Use Available Resources: UKHSA and the NHS provide free leaflets, videos and campaign materials that can be used to educate your patients. Resources are available on the NHS England and UKHSA websites.
Practice managers are uniquely placed to shape how communities understand and respond to the threat of antimicrobial resistance. By supporting your clinicians, empowering patients with knowledge and making AMR a regular part of your health messaging, your practice can make a meaningful impact in preserving antibiotics for future generations.
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