Event Details

Rethink the Rx: Reducing Unnecessary Antibiotic Prescribing in Primary Care

The overuse of antibiotics is a significant driver of antimicrobial resistance, with studies showing that at least 25% of community antibiotics are prescribed for conditions where they are not required. In primary care, clinicians frequently encounter scenarios—such as asymptomatic bacteriuria, dental pain, and respiratory infections—where antibiotics might not only be unnecessary but also potentially harmful.

This PHO Rounds provides practical, evidence-informed strategies for optimizing antibiotic use and preventing overprescribing in primary care. Drawing on resources from Choosing Wisely Canada, participants will explore effective approaches to managing common clinical scenarios including respiratory infections, minimizing unnecessary urine tests, and addressing dental pain without antibiotics.

Intended audience: Primary care physicians, community pharmacists, public health units, infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship specialists

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Describe the common scenarios of antibiotic overuse in primary care settings.
Identify practical tools that support the judicious use of antibiotics.
Discuss antimicrobial stewardship strategies for improvement in practice.

Presenter(s): Dr. Jennifer Young

Dr. Jennifer Young, MD, is a comprehensive family physician who works in Collingwood, Ontario. In addition to clinical office practice, she looks after her patients in hospital, does low risk obstetrics and is an associate Clinical Professor with McMaster Family Medicine teaching residents and medical students. She is a part-time Physician Advisor for the College of Family Physicians of Canada, a member of PEER and is the CFPC liaison with Choosing Wisely Canada.

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.

Accreditation

Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.

College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.

PHO Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).

For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.

Accessibility

Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.