What is a possible consequence of antibiotic overuse in healthcare settings?

Antibiotic overuse in healthcare settings leads to increased antibiotic resistance, which is a significant concern in infection prevention and control. When antibiotics are used excessively, bacteria can evolve and adapt, becoming resistant to the medications that were previously effective against them. This resistance can hinder the treatment of infections, making them harder to treat and increasing the risk of complications or prolonged illness.

As resistant strains of bacteria proliferate, healthcare providers may find that standard treatments no longer work, leading to the need for stronger, more expensive, or more toxic medications. This predicament can result in longer hospital stays and higher healthcare costs, as well as a greater likelihood of severe outcomes for patients. Thus, understanding the implications of antibiotic overuse is crucial for maintaining effective infection prevention practices in healthcare environments.