Recommendation 4

DHSC has made slow progress in implementing diagnostic tools that could help reduce AMR. Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics in primary care is estimated to be around 20% of antibiotic prescriptions, which is too high and could drive AMR. ‘Inappropriate’ includes prescribing antibiotics or other antimicrobials when they are unnecessary (for example, using antibiotics to treat a viral infection), prescribing the wrong one (for example, not the most suitable antibiotic), or using them for longer than necessary. Diagnostic tools can be used to diagnose what infection a patient has, reducing inappropriate prescribing by enabling clinicians to determine with accuracy whether a patient needs antimicrobial treatment and, if so, which one. However, the 2019–24 NAP target to report on the percentage of antibiotic prescriptions supported by the use of diagnostic tools was not achieved and has not been included in the 2024–29 NAP, and there has been only limited progress in making better use of diagnostic tests. 4 recommendation DHSC, NHS England and UKHSA should set out how they intend to make demonstrable progress in the use of diagnostic tools, including under the Pharmacy First Scheme, over the next two years.