The Primary Care Perspective on the Norwegian National Strategy against Antimicrobial Resistance

A national strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been subject to cyclic processes in Norway since 1998. In 2020, a renewed process cycle was launched. Here, we describe the process and the approach of the process. In addition, we describe two concepts from philosophy
of science that may help to frame the process: AMR is an example of a super wicked problem, and post-normal science provides tools to analyze the problem from a new angle.

In conclusion, perceiving AMR as a super wicked problem may help in understanding its scope. Applying post-normal science analytic tools may be useful to address the specific challenges that primary care is faced with internationally within the AMR context. Traditional strategies must be
accompanied by new approaches and perspectives. Although the Norwegian strategy so far has been a success in terms of reducing antibiotic prescriptions, this is only a surrogate endpoint. To reach the real goal of reducing AMR, we need a global, multidisciplinary, innovative approach involving all stakeholders. There is no simple solution, and the struggle will be endless, but we still cannot give up.