Antibio’Malin: an e-health resource to raise awareness of antibiotic stewardship and resistance in France

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To develop a nationwide French website with reliable, practical and public-oriented information on antibiotic stewardship and resistance. Methods The design and evaluation were based on the following process: (i) development of a pilot website by a multidisciplinary group; (ii) evaluation phase, using mixed methods and involving health professionals (GPs and community pharmacists) and the general population; and (iii) launch of a final version of the website with 6 month follow-up usage statistics. Results The Antibio’Malin website (https://sante.fr/antibiomalin), supported by the French Ministry of Health, contains practical information for the general population on antibiotics marketed in the outpatient setting and on the most common infections, with an antibiotic stewardship perspective. A ‘For further information’ section provides details on various concepts, such as antibiotic resistance. As part of the evaluation, 8 general practitioners and 5 community pharmacists were individually interviewed, 46 health system users replied to an online questionnaire and 5 focus groups were conducted (17 participants). In addition, more than 100 people (professionals and general population) provided feedback directly on the website. The website was well received by health professionals, particularly general practitioners, and described as a reference site for patients and a communication tool. The general population also found the site useful. Several comments helped improve the website before the launch of the final version on 18 November 2019. At 6 month follow-up, more than 25 000 persons had visited the website. Conclusions The Antibio’Malin information website was developed and tested. Post-launch data suggest a useful addition to the multifaceted French national antibiotic stewardship strategy.