CANCELLED CeCAR Seminar with Eva Krockow

Research profile seminar

Dr Eva M Krockow, Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, will present the paper "Antimicrobial resistance as a social dilemma: Evidence from multi-national qualitative data".

Abstract:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats in 21st century medicine; tackling it requires work to reduce over-use of antibiotics. Systematic reviews of the literature have found variable impact of interventions to optimise prescribing of antibiotics. To improve chances of success, a better understanding the underlying dynamics of AMR and how this impacts on behaviour is critical. AMR has been characterised a social dilemma where the interests of society - i.e. limited use of antibiotics to protect the "public good" of antibiotic effectiveness - are in conflict with those of the individual patients and doctors - i.e., generous use of antibiotics to reduce risk of morbidity from infection. This talk will examine how the under-utilised theoretical approach could inform the design and implementation of interventions to reduce inappropriate prescribing in hospital settings. Furthermore, social dilemma theory will be linked to ongoing empirical research which investigates doctors' perceptions of risks and benefits associated with antibiotic prescribing across different countries. Attention will be drawn to international differences of doctors' incentives for the use of antibiotics, which may change parameters of the social dilemma situation. The talk will conclude by outlining the importance of continued interdisciplinary and international research with a strong theory base.