'Alarming' misuse of antibiotics happening in Manitoba: U of M study
A new study out of the University of Manitoba shows antibiotics are being inappropriately prescribed all too often in Manitoba.
The research shows not only are the wrong type of antibiotics prescribed frequently, but the drugs are also increasingly being given to patients whose illness does not need antibiotics at all.
“These findings are alarming,” Dr. Chelsea Ruth said in a news release. She is an assistant professor of pediatrics and child health at the University of Manitoba, who was the co-leader of the study.
“They show that Manitoba physicians are not consistently following Canadian recommendations. This results in an increasing number of unnecessary or poorly chosen antibiotics being prescribed,” Ruth added.
Using data from antibiotics dispensed at pharmacies from 2014 to 2016, more than 2.4 million antibiotics were dispensed in Manitoba. The study found 87 per cent of the prescriptions were written by doctors and the remainder was done by dentists, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and other professionals.
The analysis found 73 per cent of patients with bronchitis were prescribed antibiotics even though it’s usually not needed for the condition.
Prescription practices were also looked at for bladder infection and it was found patients were most often given antibiotics from the quinolone class. Ruth said this class of drugs is not recommended for a bladder infection because they kill other bacteria that do not cause the illness.
In treating pneumonia, the study found the wrong type of antibiotic was prescribed in just over half of patients who were under 15-years-old, at 52 per cent. No matter the patient’s age, the data showed ear infections were treated with an inappropriate antibiotic 23 per cent of the time and throat infections were also treated 30 per cent of the time with the wrong antibiotic.
During the study period, the rate of dispensing antibiotics for conditions that generally do not need them also increased in most age groups and the use of antibiotics increased at a faster rate than population growth. Antibiotic use was highest among seniors and children under five.
Ruth said high use of antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance which is a growing worldwide problem. She said that’s when bacteria are overexposed to a drug and are no longer killed by it and getting an unnecessary antibiotic also puts patients at risk for side effects.
“Our results indicate that Manitoba needs antibiotic stewardship programs to educate and support prescribers while promoting optimal prescribing practices,” says study co-leader Dr. Sergio Fanella, who is also an associate professor of medical microbiology and infectious diseases at the University of Manitoba.
Patients who saw their regular doctor had less antibiotic use and were less likely to be prescribed an inappropriate antibiotic. This is why these researchers are recommending patients should try to see their regular health-care provider and Manitobans should have better access to a consistent primary care provider.
Other recommendations include establishing a stewardship program that focuses on the conditions with the highest antibiotic misuse rates, and for feedback to be given to prescribers in comparison with their peers.
The study also found older doctors, physicians who saw more patients each day, and those located in the Prairie Mountain Health region were more likely to incorrectly prescribe antibiotics.
In a statement to CTV News, Doctors Manitoba said it appreciates the study as all physicians want to learn more and provide the best care.
"Doctors Manitoba welcomes new information like this, and we are already working with the authors of the study on sharing the results with all physicians across the province," the statement said.
"Patients should always feel comfortable talking to their doctor about any prescription, including antibiotics, to ensure they understand why it is being prescribed and raising any concern they have."
The study was done at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and is the first to look at antibiotic prescriptions happening outside hospitals in the province.
To conduct the study, the researchers analyzed anonymous pharmacy dispensing data, linking antibiotic prescriptions with the diagnostic codes entered by prescribers for illnesses.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Arrest made, manslaughter charge pending in 2022 death of Calgary toddler
Calgary police have arrested a man and a charge is pending in connection with the death of a toddler in 2022.
Prince William returns to public duties after wife Kate's cancer revelation
Prince William will return to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife Kate revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson Airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Russia reports downing 5 Ukrainian military balloons in Kyiv's latest apparent war innovation
Russian air defences downed what authorities described as five Ukrainian balloons overnight, the defence ministry in Moscow said Thursday, as the sides kept up long-range strikes that have featured heavily in what has largely become a war of attrition.
Frustrated farmers are rebelling against EU rules. The far right is stoking the flames
Mainstream political parties failed to act on European farmers' complaints for decades, one farmer says. Now the radical right is stepping in.