AUTHOR=Llor Carl , Plate Andreas , Bjerrum Lars , Gentile Ivan , Melbye Hasse , Staiano Annamaria , van Hecke Oliver , Verbakel Jan Y. , Hopstaken Rogier 

TITLE=C-reactive protein point-of-care testing in primary care—broader implementation needed to combat antimicrobial resistance

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1397096

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2024.1397096

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=This paper presents the perspective of an international group of experts, providing an overview about existing models and policies and guidance to facilitate a proper and sustainable implementation of Creactive-protein point-of-care testing (CRP POCT) to support antibiotic prescribing decisions for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) with the aim to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR threatens to render life-saving antibiotics ineffective and is already costing millions of lives and billions of Euros worldwide. AMR is strongly correlated with the volume of antibiotics used. Most antibiotics are prescribed in primary care, mostly for RTIs, and often unneeded. CRP POCT is an available tool and has been proven to safely and cost-effectively reduce antibiotic prescribing for RTIs in primary care. Though established in a few European countries during several years, it has still not been implemented in many European countries. As inappropriate antibiotic prescribing behaviour is complex, a multifaceted approach is needed to enable a sustainable change. The effect is maximized with clear guidance, advanced communication training for the primary care physicians, and delayed antibiotic prescribing strategies. CRP POCT should be included in professional oriented guidelines, and be implemented together with complementary strategies. Adequate reimbursement needs to be provided and high-quality, and primary care friendly POCT organization and performance needs to be enabled. Data gathering, sharing, and discussion as incentivization for proper behaviours should be enabled. Public awareness should be increased and healthcare professionals' awareness and understanding ensured. Impactful use is achieved when all stakeholders join forces and facilitate proper implementation.