Improving effective antimicrobial resistance (AMR) prevention in ambulatory care: lessons from secondary appraisal of Belgian anti-infectious treatment care guidelines

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat, and Belgium’s Antibiotic Policy Coordination Committee (BAPCOC) has developed guidelines to combat it. A 2022 evaluation of these guidelines by seven experts revealed 52 recommendations, primarily focusing on urinary tract infections. Three of the top five recommendations significantly impact antimicrobial stewardship outcomes. Implementing these recommendations could improve judicious antibiotic use and reduce antibiotic undertreatment, potentially extending to a broader European context.