# Opportunities and Barriers to Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship by Community Pharmacists

## TL;DR

Community pharmacists face challenges in promoting proper antibiotic use in children and need more support to intervene effectively.

## Contribution

This study identifies barriers and opportunities for community pharmacists in pediatric antimicrobial stewardship through interviews with pharmacists and caregivers.

## Key findings

- Community pharmacists and parents/caregivers both struggle with intervening after antibiotics are already prescribed.
- Pharmacists require more support to make informed decisions about antibiotic use in children.

## Abstract

Community Pharmacists (CPs) are easily accessible and can advocate for the appropriate use of antibiotics in children. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 47 CPs and 46 parents/caregivers. Both groups expressed challenges to intervening when antibiotics have already been prescribed and highlighted the need for more support for CPs to make informed decisions.