Antibiotic resistance: a view from the prescriber

Antibiotic resistance is increasingly affecting the management of infectious diseases. The prescribing clinician is not only important to the development of the problem but also central to its solution. This article addresses the current weaknesses in the information systems and the evidence base that support prescribing. Remedies necessary for improvements in prudent prescribing include better guidance in managing specific diseases where resistance is of prognostic significance and also increasing diagnostic precision.