Antimicrobial Stewardship Flashcards
Why is important to have antimicrobial stewardship
Prevent antibiotic resistance
Less unnecessary treatment, more precaution
Higher risk of resistance with broad spectrum antibiotics
What does the nice guidelines say about
Do not start antibiotics without clinical evidence of bacterial infection
If there is evidence or suspicion of bacterial infection, use local guidelines to start promptly, effective antibiotics treatment
Obtain cultures - knowing the susceptibility of an infecting organism can lead to narrowing of broad spectrum therapy, changing therapy to effectively treat resistant pathogens and stopping antibiotics when cultures suggest an infection is unlikely
Avoid broad spectrum antibiotics ( for example, co-amoxiclav, quinones and cephalosporins) if narrow spectrum antibiotics remain effective, because the former increase the risk of C.Diff, MRSA and antibiotic resistant urinary tract infections
Avoid widespread use of topical antibiotics (especially those that are also available as systemic preparations, such as fusidic acid
