WELLINGTON, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's new national antibiotics guidelines have been developed to slow the rate of antibiotic resistance and safeguard this precious resource, according to the Infectious Diseases Research Platform on Thursday.
The guidelines provide an evidence-based national resource where previously there were lots of different guidelines used across different parts of the country and health sectors, said a statement from the platform.
Stephen Ritchie of the University of Auckland said antibiotics are underused in some patients where they could provide benefit and overused in others who could be harmed by unnecessary treatment.
General Practitioner Lily Fraser said New Zealand has higher rates of antibiotic prescription compared with many other countries but research indicates some populations, such as Maori, may be under-prescribed.
Under the new guidelines, prescribers can identify the condition they are treating and are provided with the latest, best practice recommendations on the optimal type of antibiotic, dosage, and management information.
The team is finishing guidelines for children, with the prescribing of antibiotics for adults expected to be available for widespread feedback in early 2025. ■