Nurses in Combating Microbial Resistance to Drugs

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Introduction

The importance of health can never be gainsaid as far as the productivity of an individual and the nation at large is concerned. Bacteria and other organisms have been recognized as some of the threats to individual health, which has led to the division of numerous drugs to combat them. However, recent times have seen an increase of concerns pertaining to the incidence or cases of microbial resistance, which comes as a serious threat to global healthcare systems, as well as to patient safety especially with regard to the failure of infections to respond to the antimicrobial drugs (World Health Organization, 2012). Underlining the seriousness of this threat is the fact that the contemporary healthcare would not continue in its present form in case it loses the capacity to treat infections. It is worth noting that the full effect of the rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is yet to be felt, but the impact has already been felt in the daily practice, for instance, in the management of patients with resistant tuberculosis strains, or even MRSA (World Health Organization, 2012). As much as doctors have a crucial role to play in lowering AMR, they are precisely the sole focus or players in this duty. Nurses can and should play a role in all aspects of strategies aimed at combating AMR.

First, nurses play an incredible role in the provision of public health education especially with regard to hygienic practices and the proper utilization of medications. Irrespective of their area of practice, nurses alongside other professionals that offer direct care are provided with numerous opportunities for educating their patients and reinforcing messages pertaining to antibiotics (Storr & Gallagher, 2012). This comes as extremely crucial in assisting the public in understanding the varied dynamics pertaining to antibiotics, as well as where the antimicrobials may be ineffective.

In addition, they have a responsibility to undertake responsible prescribing in an effort to combat the resistance of microbial to drugs (World Health Organization, 2012). Responsible prescribing revolves around administering medications based on the diagnosis, with the appropriate route for therapy, as well as timing of administration being devised so as to ensure appropriate and stable therapeutic levels in one’s body alongside knowledge of the contraindications. This comes in handy in ensuring or safeguarding the effectiveness of the treatment, as well as the responsible usage of antibiotics (Storr & Gallagher, 2012). On the same note, even as they make prescriptions, it is imperative that they keep record of the patients’ progress for every therapy that is used. This comes in handy in aiding research efforts so as to determine the strategies that would work in certain circumstances, defining the reasons why some strategies fail and coming up with effective antimicrobials (World Health Organization, 2012).

Moreover, nurses have a role to play in raising awareness, as well as promoting action that will prevent or reduce harm that comes with antimicrobial resistance. They have an incredible role to play in protecting their patients from harm that emanates from the infections and AMR. This profession has been in the frontline in controlling and preventing infection, as well as implementing the numerous initiatives that reduce infections (Storr & Gallagher, 2012). They undertake infection prevention practices in an effort to prevent or combat the spread of bacteria in community healthcare and hospital settings. This is aimed at lowering the burden pertaining to environmental contamination from microorganisms, as well as preventing them from being transferred between people thereby lowering the likelihood for infection, not to mention the use of antibiotics (World Health Organization, 2012).

References

Storr, J & Gallagher, R (2012). Cutting levels of antimicrobial resistance. Nursing Times; 108: 46, 22-23.

World Health Organization, (2012) The Evolving Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance – Options for Action. Geneva: WHO.