Almost half of antibiotic prescribing for surgery is inappropriate, new report shows
Medical Xpress
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A new report reveals that nearly half of antibiotic prescriptions given around the time of surgery in Australia are inappropriate, raising serious concerns about overuse and its impact on public health. The findings highlight a significant issue in antibiotic stewardship, with researchers identifying misuse both during and after surgical procedures. This overprescribing not only contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance but also poses risks to patient safety.
The report also points to long-term antibiotic use in aged care facilities as another area of concern. Over-prescription in these settings can lead to unnecessary side effects, such as Clostridioides difficile infections, while failing to address underlying health issues effectively. Experts suggest that healthcare providers often face challenges in balancing patient expectations, time constraints, and adherence to guidelines when deciding whether to prescribe antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance is a global health threat, and Australia is not immune to its consequences. Misuse of these life-saving drugs can lead to higher healthcare costs, longer hospital stays, and reduced effectiveness of treatments for future generations. The report underscores the importance of improving prescribing practices through better education, stricter adherence to guidelines, and increased awareness among both patients and providers.
These findings matter because antibiotic resistance is a pressing public health issue that affects us all. Without responsible use, common infections could become untreatable, making even routine surgeries riskier and more expensive. By addressing inappropriate prescribing in surgical and aged care settings, Australia can take a significant step toward reducing the burden of resistant infections and ensuring antibiotics remain effective for everyone.
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/21/2026