Dynamics between antibiotic drug use and resistance: An economic approach

In Europe, the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance (AMR) has become a serious public health threat. Rational antibiotic policy, combined with enforcement of infection control practices are key strategies to combat AMR in the hospital setting. Using timeseries analysis, we calculated potential savings resulting from changes in prescribing behaviour and improved compliance with hand hygiene. According to our calculations, a saving of 14 € would be achieved by reducing use of third-generation cephalosporins by one defined daily dose and further savings of almost 60 € would be achieved by increasing hospital-wide use of alcohol-based hand rub by one litre.