Achieving value and sustainability in prescribing medication: consultation
Antimicrobial stewardship
Recommendations
- Avoid prescriptions for antibiotics in self-limiting or viral infections to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. Promote self-management for these situations: e.g. rest, symptomatic relief and hydration. Encourage people to become antibiotic guardians.
- Ensure that antibiotic courses are prescribed for the appropriate duration (e.g. three days for uncomplicated UTI's in women and give days for community aquired and hospital acquired pneumonia)
- Reinforce advice that antibiotics are taken as directed to ensure effectiveness. Advise that patients fo no save antibiotics for later or share unused antibiotics with family or friends
- Ensure a management plan is documented within 72 hours when commencing IV antibiotics, including consideration of continuation and rationalisation of treatment with the potential for stopping, or switching IV to oral therapy.
- Prescribe oral solid dosage forms where possible, minimising use of liquid preparations or IV to where they are necessary and appropriate.
- Offer resources and advice to patients and families on learning how to swallow pills.
- Encourage that any unused medicines is returned to community pharmacy for safe disposal.
- Signpost and encourage healthcare staff to update education in antibiotic management using SAPG and NES materials on TURAS.