Covered multiple times in multiple versions elsewhere, but a recent chat with a classmate (who has to write about this topic in Chinese) made me consider attempting my own version. What are the common myths I have encountered about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance? Antibiotics cure all infections Another version is that they work against colds […]
This issue came up as part of a discussion on improving antibiotic prescription – the discussion triggered (strangely enough) by the lack of mention in this week’s Straits Times article on inappropriate antibiotic prescription. It is an interesting topic for discussion and understanding, but I would like to stress that the issues go far beyond […]
Naturally, this is biased by what I know and has been reported. But here is what I feel are the significant events in 2016. Outbreaks These are the most easily recalled and form the biggest group of infectious disease events by far. The major outbreaks this year include: Rotavirus gastroenteritis at Pek Kio Market affecting […]
I had the pleasure of reading about Singapore’s decision to develop a national action plan against antimicrobial resistance on the front page of the Straits Times yesterday. It is rare that antimicrobial resistance gets featured so prominently, so kudos to the Straits Times and reporters like Carolyn Khew who are willing to write about these […]
It was reported in the news that the Thai cabinet has approved a national action plan by the Public Health Ministry to halve antibiotic-resistant infections by 2021. This is one of the most ambitious pledges by any government in the battle against antimicrobial resistance to date. I could not find the policy plan online, but […]
I used to think that trying to establish antibiotic stewardship in Singapore in an outpatient setting, just like in private hospitals, was a relatively futile exercise. Multiple factors (or so I thought) contribute to the failure of any serious effort that goes beyond public or physician education, including: Patients who insist on antibiotics (and who can easily obtain […]
Two further observances were held at TTSH and SGH on Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 16th November. There was also a booth set up at NUH on Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week. All events were organised by the respective hospital antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) members. Unfortunately I do not have access to more professionally taken […]
Here are some photos of the WAAW event at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, organised by NTFGH Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme team. I had the honour of being invited to give a talk at that event. All photos were taken by Pearl Gan.
Here are some photos of the WAAW event at Jurong Library, organised by staff from the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. There is also an attempt at making a Flipagram out of several photos here. All photos were taken by Pearl Gan.
One of the most vexing antibiotic-related questions is: “Should you finish the course of antibiotics that the doctor has prescribed you?” My colleague and I were asked just that when we were interviewed by 938Live Body & Soul’s Daniel Martin recently. The conventional answer has generally been: “Yes, you should finish every single dose, even if […]
MIPHIDIC 