Antibiotic Conservation
Aotearoa

About Us

The Antibiotic Conservation study is a dedicated initiative focused on the responsible use of antibiotics—for a healthier tomorrow and a better future.

'Close-up of a silver fern frond, its delicate, intricate leaves symbolizing the natural beauty and biodiversity of Aotearoa, central to the nation's identity and heritage.

About Us

The Antibiotic Conservation study is a dedicated initiative focused on the responsible use of antibiotics—for a healthier tomorrow and a better future.

'Close-up of a silver fern frond, its delicate, intricate leaves symbolizing the natural beauty and biodiversity of Aotearoa, central to the nation's identity and heritage.

Antibiotic Conservation

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Bridging research and practice

We conduct studies that deliver, and evaluate the effect of interventions to improve antibiotic use in Aotearoa. Our goal is to increase the health of all whānau in Aotearoa by achieving long-term increases in beneficial antibiotic use and reductions in harmful antibiotic use.

Collaboration to achieve better outcomes

Recent local research has demonstrated a clear need to improve antibiotic use in Aotearoa. We believe that healthcare providers and the public desire to use antibiotics as wisely as possible. We will work with healthcare providers and the public to support better antibiotic use throughout Aotearoa.

Empowering for the future—curing infections

We wish to ensure that patients with infections receive the best possible care—the right antibiotic, in the right dose, for the right duration—for patients whose infections will benefit from treatment, but no antibiotic treatment for patients whose infections do not need antibiotic treatment. Read more...

The best possible antibiotic treatment will provide the best possible patient outcomes—recovery, with the least risk of antibiotic harm, (such as diarrhoea, rash, and allergy) and the least risk of increasing antibiotic resistance.

Empowering for the future—curing infections

We wish to ensure that patients with infections receive the best possible care—the right antibiotic, in the right dose, for the right duration—for patients whose infections will benefit from treatment, but no antibiotic treatment for patients whose infections do not need antibiotic treatment.

The best possible antibiotic treatment will provide the best possible patient outcomes—recovery, with the least risk of antibiotic harm, (such as diarrhoea, rash, and allergy) and the least risk of increasing antibiotic resistance.

Partnerships and Funding

Collaborative Partnerships

The Antibiotic Conservation Aotearoa's research is funded by the Health Research
Council and implemented by The University of Auckland in partnership with My Practice - Health 365 and the National Institute for Health Innovation.

The Antibiotic Conservation Aotearoa's research is funded by the Health Research Council and implemented by The University of Auckland in partnership with My Practice - Health 365 and the National Institute for Health Innovation.

The Academic Team

Our team consists of a diverse group of experts from leading academic institutions. We are leaders in antibiotic stewardship in Aotearoa.

Dr Stephen Richie University of Auckland
Dr Stephen Richie
University of Auckland
Associated Professor Mark Thomas Auckland University
Associate Professor Mark Thomas
University of Auckland
Dr Amy Chan University of Auckland
Dr Amy Chan
University of Auckland
Associated Professor Susan Wells Auckland University
Associate Professor Susan Wells
University of Auckland
Carla White Health Literacy New Zealand
Carla White
Health Literacy New Zealand
Susan Reid Health Literacy New Zealand
Susan Reid
Health Literacy New Zealand
Dr Emma Best University of Auckland
Dr Emma Best
University of Auckland
Dr Lily Fraser Health Point
Dr Lily Fraser
Health Point
Professor Bruce Arroll University of Auckland
Professor Bruce Arroll
University of Auckland
Dr Zhenqiang Wu University of Auckland
Dr Zhenqiang Wu
University of Auckland

The Academic Team

Our team consists of a diverse group of experts from leading academic institutions. We are leaders in antibiotic stewardship in Aotearoa.

Dr Stephen Richie University of Auckland
Dr Stephen Richie
University of Auckland
Associated Professor Mark Thomas Auckland University
Associate Professor Mark Thomas
University of Auckland
Dr Amy Chan University of Auckland
Dr Amy Chan
University of Auckland
Associated Professor Susan Wells Auckland University
Associate Professor Susan Wells
University of Auckland
Carla White Health Literacy New Zealand
Carla White
Health Literacy New Zealand
Susan Reid Health Literacy New Zealand
Susan Reid
Health Literacy New Zealand
Dr Emma Best University of Auckland
Dr Emma Best
University of Auckland
Dr Lily Fraser Health Point
Dr Lily Fraser
Health Point
Professor Bruce Arroll University of Auckland
Professor Bruce Arroll
University of Auckland
Dr Zhenqiang Wu University of Auckland
Dr Zhenqiang Wu
University of Auckland
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Past Research

Antibiotic consumption by New Zealand children: exposure is near universal by the age of five years

This study showed high rates of antibiotic use in New Zealand children under the age of five years. On average, each child received almost two antibiotic courses each year. The rate of antibiotic use was considerably higher than those in many other developed countries. While differences between nations in rates of socioeconomic deprivation, and in age structure, and other factors have no doubt contributed to higher rates of antibiotic dispensing in New Zealand, inappropriate prescribing also plays a significant role.

Learn more
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2018
Ethnic disparities in community antibacterial dispensing in New Zealand, 2015

This study showed that rates of community antibiotic dispensing in Aotearoa were highest in Pacific people and lowest in Asian people, and in all ethnic groups were lowest for the least deprived and highest for the most deprived whānau.

Learn more
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2020
Reduced community antibiotic dispensing in New Zealand during 2015-2018: marked variation in relation to primary health organisation

This study showed that the rate of dispensing of antibiotics by community pharmacies across Aotearoa fell by 4.6% per year between 2015 and 2018, a rate of fall that was similar to that in many other nations. The decline was most pronounced in children aged 0-4 years, but remained consistent across all ethnicities and socio-economic levels. Those under the care of the Ngati Porou Hauroa Charitable Trust or the Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance experienced the most significant reductions.

Learn more
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2021
Reducing expectations for antibiotics in patients with upper respiratory tract infections: a primary care randomised control trial

This study showed that patients who viewed a brief presentation about either the lack of benefit, or the risk of adverse effects of antibiotic treatment for upper respiratory tract infections while in the doctor's waiting room, were less likely to expect to be prescribed an antibiotic for their upper respiratory tract infection.

Learn more
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2022
Understanding the Role of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Paediatric Settings

This study is an examination on the importance of antimicrobial stewardship in paediatric settings. It investigates the challenges and opportunities related to optimising antimicrobial use in children, aiming to identify effective strategies for improving patient care.

Learn more
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2023
Māori experiences and beliefs about antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance for acute upper respiratory tract symptoms

This study explores Māori adults' beliefs about antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in New Zealand. In-depth interviews with 30 Māori adults from primary care settings revealed three themes: systemic, social, and individual factors influencing antibiotic use. Participants identified potential solutions, such as incorporating cultural support and Te Ao Māori, to improve antibiotic use and inform future antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. Keywords: Māori, antibiotics, beliefs, antimicrobial resistance.

Learn more
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2023
Whānau Māori and Pacific peoples’ knowledge, perceptions, expectations and solutions regarding antibiotic treatment of upper respiratory tract infections

Interviews with 47 participants (21 Māori and 26 Pacific) during six focus groups provided useful information about the knowledge, perceptions and expectations of Maori and Pacific people in relation to antibiotic treatment for upper respiratory tract infections.

Learn more
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Past research

2017
Antibiotic consumption by New Zealand children: exposure is near universal by the age of five years

This study showed high rates of antibiotic use in New Zealand children under the age of five years. On average, each child received almost two antibiotic courses each year. The rate of antibiotic use was considerably higher than those in many other developed countries. While differences between nations in rates of socioeconomic deprivation, and in age structure, and other factors have no doubt contributed to higher rates of antibiotic dispensing in New Zealand, inappropriate prescribing also plays a significant role.

Learn more
Green chevron right icon
A caregiver and two toddlers engaging with alphabet blocks on a rug, an intimate moment of early learning and bonding through play.
2018
Ethnic disparities in community antibacterial dispensing in New Zealand, 2015

This study showed that rates of community antibiotic dispensing in Aotearoa were highest in Pacific people and lowest in Asian people, and in all ethnic groups were lowest for the least deprived and highest for the most deprived whānau.

Learn more
Green chevron right icon
A group of joyful teenagers playing basketball on a driveway, capturing a moment of active fun and camaraderie in a neighborhood setting.
2020
Reduced community antibiotic dispensing in New Zealand during 2015-2018: marked variation in relation to primary health organisation

This study showed that the rate of dispensing of antibiotics by community pharmacies across Aotearoa fell by 4.6% per year between 2015 and 2018, a rate of fall that was similar to that in many other nations. The decline was most pronounced in children aged 0-4 years, but remained consistent across all ethnicities and socio-economic levels. Those under the care of the Ngati Porou Hauroa Charitable Trust or the Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance experienced the most significant reductions.

Learn more
Green chevron right icon
Two teenage friends lying on a blanket outdoors, laughing and taking a selfie, capturing the joy of youthful friendship.
2021
Reducing expectations for antibiotics in patients with upper respiratory tract infections: a primary care randomised control trial

This study showed that patients who viewed a brief presentation about either the lack of benefit, or the risk of adverse effects of antibiotic treatment for upper respiratory tract infections while in the doctor's waiting room, were less likely to expect to be prescribed an antibiotic for their upper respiratory tract infection.

Learn more
Green chevron right icon
A tender moment between a mother and her adult son sharing a conversation and a drink at an outdoor table.
2022
Understanding the Role of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Paediatric Settings

This study is an examination on the importance of antimicrobial stewardship in paediatric settings. It investigates the challenges and opportunities related to optimising antimicrobial use in children, aiming to identify effective strategies for improving patient care.

Learn more
Green chevron right icon
A family portrait showing a couple with their two sons, exemplifying a strong family bond and togetherness.
2023
Māori experiences and beliefs about antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance for acute upper respiratory tract symptoms

This study explores Māori adults' beliefs about antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in New Zealand. In-depth interviews with 30 Māori adults from primary care settings revealed three themes: systemic, social, and individual factors influencing antibiotic use. Participants identified potential solutions, such as incorporating cultural support and Te Ao Māori, to improve antibiotic use and inform future antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. Keywords: Māori, antibiotics, beliefs, antimicrobial resistance.

Learn more
Green chevron right icon
A loving mother embracing her child tightly in a moment of affection and joy outdoors.
2023
Whānau Māori and Pacific peoples’ knowledge, perceptions, expectations and solutions regarding antibiotic treatment of upper respiratory tract infections

Interviews with 47 participants (21 Māori and 26 Pacific) during six focus groups provided useful information about the knowledge, perceptions and expectations of Maori and Pacific people in relation to antibiotic treatment for upper respiratory tract infections.

Learn more
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A caregiver crafting with a young child at home, promoting developmental play and creative learning.
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Antibiotic Conservation Aotearoa

This website was developed by the

National Institute for Health Innovation (NIHI).

NIHI is part of the UniServices network for the transfer of knowledge from The University of Auckland  into the world.

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Antibiotic Conservation Aotearoa

This website was developed by the

National Institute for Health Innovation (NIHI).

NIHI is part of the UniServices network for the transfer of knowledge from The University of Auckland  into the world.

Support
Resource HubContact Us
Navigate
About usPatient careOur Research
Explore more
UniServicesThe University of Auckland
Support
Resource HubContact Us
Navigate
About usPatient careOur Research
Explore More
UniServicesThe University of Auckland
Privacy Policy

Antibiotic Conservation Aotearoa ©

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