Monday, August 31, 2026

12:45 PM - 2:15 PM

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Details

Lunch break symposium supported by Reckitt Chair(s) To be announced Introduction: The Global Respiratory Infection Partnership’s (GRIP) lively debate returns! This session will explore the pros and cons of pharmacists challenging prescription of antibiotics for common ailments like sore throat, colds and cough and the impact this could have on appropriate management, antibiotic resistance and the relationship with patients and prescribers. The teams will challenge each other and present their arguments for or against challenging antibiotic prescriptions as a means to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. The interactive debate will give the audience the power to decide which team has presented the most compelling case. Team 1 stance: “Challenging inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions strengthens trust in pharmacists as guardians of public health and safety” Team 2 stance: “Challenging prescriptions risks damaging trust between pharmacists, prescribers and patients, potentially undermining AMR efforts” Programme: Learning objectives: 1. Reinforce the ongoing need for pharmacist-led action to support appropriate antibiotic use and strengthen antimicrobial stewardship in everyday practice. 2. Examine how pharmacist intervention can strengthen antimicrobial stewardship, and consider the potential impact on patient trust and interprofessional relationships, using URTIs as an illustrative example. 3. Evaluate barriers and opportunities with different approaches to pharmacy-led antimicrobial stewardship, exploring pharmacy-patient consultation to support optimal patient care and reduction of unnecessary antibiotic use. Take home messages: Pharmacists are the point of accurate dispensing of prescriptions encompassing medication management, advising patients on use instructions and potentially prescribing responsibility themselves. Pharmacists can do more in the community setting to effectively triage, educate and manage medication choices to ensure appropriate antibiotic usage and therefore manage antibiotic resistance potential.