Antimicrobial stewardship

When does antibiotic resistance occur?

when an antibiotic has lost its ability to effectively control or kill bacterial growth

Name 3 examples of where this can be detrimental to patient and treatment?

• gonorrhoea

• chemotherapy

• organ donation

How can we prevent and control infection, therefore reducing how much ABs are needed?

• occupational health

• bare below elbows

• hand washing

• long hair tied back

• appropriate use of PPE

• clean clinical environments

What is antimicrobial stewardship?

organisational approach to promoting and monitoring judicious use of antimicrobials to preserve future effectiveness

What are the major goals for AMS?

• optimise antimicrobial therapy for patients

• prevent overuse, misuse and abuse of antimicrobials

• minimise development of resistance at patient and community levels

• prevent unintended harm through adverse reactions and healthcare infections

Where are antibiotics most prescribed?

GPs

How can pharmacists contribute to this?

• supporting patients to self-care

• promoting vaccinations

• giving patients information when you dispense antibiotics