AMS in Practice

In the previous course (Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Principles of Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS)), we introduced the vital role AMS has in reducing AMR. Whilst AMR is a globally recognised priority, the actions of individuals in ensuring antibiotics are used safely and appropriately within their scope of practice is what really makes a difference.

This course covers the important contributions that pharmacists, in both hospital and community settings, can make to support AMS. Pharmacy professionals across all sectors contribute to AMS through a range of activities, such as by providing clinical advice, developing guidelines and delivering education and training to other healthcare professionals and the public.

Learning objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Review antibiotic prescriptions for safety and appropriateness
• Describe some strategies to reduce inappropriate prescriptions for antimicrobials
• Apply and promote the use of antimicrobial treatment guidelines to reduce development of antimicrobial resistance and improve patient outcomes
• Educate patients on how to take their antimicrobials safely, on self-care where antimicrobials are not required, and on the prevention of infection
• Describe the role AMS specialist pharmacists play in the healthcare team

BEHAVIOUR CHANGE

The purpose of this course is not only to improve your knowledge of AMS but to actively promote lasting changes in how you practice and approach the safe and rational use of antimicrobials to reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance.

We hope to promote positive changes, with a priority on improving the following key stewardship behaviours for pharmacy teams:

Promote safe and responsible use of antimicrobials (or AMS)

• Educate colleagues, patients, and the public about using antimicrobials safely and responsibly.
• Ensure that the multidisciplinary team (MDT) know how to access antimicrobial guidelines and adhere to them.
• Understand the behaviour influencers for prescribing antimicrobials and implement AMS interventions that tackle inappropriate use among prescribers.
• Promote AMS through public awareness campaigns.

Team working and collaboration

• Work with multi-disciplinary colleagues to ensure best practice in the use of antimicrobials.
• Explore opportunities within your local teams to monitor, measure, and improve AMS.

As you work through the course, take time to reflect on the factors that may influence your ability to perform these behaviours. Consider if you have the knowledge, skills and resources to perform each behaviour. Lastly, reflect on whether you have the motivation and social support or do you already consistently carry out each behaviour.

At the end of some of the modules, there is a section targeting a particular behaviour change that we would like you to focus on. To get the most out of this course, we encourage you to participate fully in these sections, which may involve chances for you to reflect on what you currently do or think about the steps you can take to improve in the future.

This course should take approximately 4 hours to complete.

Published: August 2023

Review date: August 2026