Sepsis and Antimicrobial Resistance: Finding Balance

When weighing a prescribing decision, the realities of sepsis and concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can seemingly pull prescribers in opposite directions. However, sepsis and AMR should be considered together, as “two sides of the same coin,” according to a Viewpoint article recently published in BMJ Quality & Safety.1

The authors explain that the way sepsis and AMR are framed in the media influences patient expectations and prescriber behavior. Sepsis is often framed as an immediate, concrete, and visible threat. On the other hand, AMR is framed as a vague, future threat. This causes patients and prescribers to be more concerned about the immediate threat of sepsis and discount the future threat of antimicrobial resistance.