Course Access
Anti-microbial stewardship (AMS) is a coordinated approach to optimizing the use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs to treat infections effectively while minimizing their overuse and misuse. Healthcare consumers play a crucial role in preventing antibiotic resistance. By understanding when antibiotics are necessary and when they aren’t, patients can avoid demanding or misusing these drugs for viral infections like colds or the flu, where antibiotics are ineffective. Educated consumers are more likely to follow prescribed treatments correctly, reducing the risk of incomplete therapy, which contributes to resistance. Awareness also encourages patients to ask informed questions, promoting better communication with healthcare providers and leading to safer, more effective care.
Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS )
Medication choice
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/older-australians/health-wellbeing/medication-its-your-choice
Do I really need antibiotics?
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/do-i-really-need-antibiotics
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation (flare-up): Should I take antibiotics?
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-exacerbation-flare-should-i-take-antibiotics
Sinusitis: Should I take antibiotics?
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/sinusitis-should-i-take-antibiotics
Antimicrobial Shortages – Consumer Guidance
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/antimicrobial-shortages-consumer-guidance
Antibiotic shortages – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander – Consumer
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/antibiotic-shortages-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-consumer
Multi-resistant Organisms – organisms of concern
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE)
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/cpe-information-patients
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/attachments/MRSA-consumer-factsheet-brochure.pdf
Clostridioides difficile (CID)
https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/attachments/CDI-consumer-factsheet-brochure.pdf
Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE)
https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/attachments/VRE-consumer-factsheet-brochure.pdf