Antibiotic Guardian

BECOME AN ANTIBIOTIC GUARDIAN
CHOOSE YOUR PLEDGE NOW!

I am a

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HEALTH OR SOCIAL CARE PROFESSIONAL OR LEADER

MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC

STUDENT, EDUCATOR OR SCIENTIST

SELECT YOUR STUDENT GROUP *

SELECT YOUR PHARMACY GROUP *

SECONDARY CARE PRESCRIBER GROUP *

PRIMARY CARE PRESCRIBER GROUP *

SELECT A PLEDGE MESSAGE

Messages will display below

Adults choices *

For infections like coughs, colds, sore throats and flu, which our bodies are good at fighting off on their own, I pledge to try treating the symptoms
For infections like coughs, colds, sore throats and flu, which our bodies are good at fighting off on their own, I pledge to talk to my pharmacist about how to treat the symptoms first rather than going to the GP
It is vital we prevent antibiotics from getting into the environment to prevent antimicrobial resistance developing in environmental microbes. I pledge not to dispose of antibiotics at home and will always take any unused antibiotics to my pharmacy for safe disposal
I pledge to consider any vaccines offered to me by the NHS and ensure my vaccine record is up to date
If I’m prescribed antibiotics, I will take them exactly as prescribed and never save them for later or share them with others
If I am prescribed an antibiotic, I will ask my healthcare professional about the risks and benefits of taking the antibiotic(s)

Families choices *

When I think my child has a likely respiratory infection, I pledge to talk to my pharmacist about how to treat my child’s symptoms first rather than going to the GP
We pledge to sing the ABC song when washing our hands with soap and water to ensure our hands are washed properly (for at least 30 seconds), especially before eating, to prevent the spread of infections.
I will visit the ebug website (www.e-bug.eu) with my child(ren) and take one of the antibiotic awareness quizzes together
If anyone in my family is prescribed antibiotics, I will support them to take them exactly as prescribed and not save them for later or share them with others and will return any leftover antibiotics to a pharmacy for safe disposal
We pledge to consider any vaccines offered to individuals in my family by the NHS ensure my family members vaccine records are up to date.

Pet owners choices *

I will keep my animal(s) healthy to reduce the risk of them getting an infection which requires antibiotic treatment. I will ensure their vaccination record is up to date and they receive regular health checks.
If my vet prescribes antibiotics for my animal(s), I will follow the instructions provided and I will not change the dosage or stop the therapy early
I will not reuse antibiotics prescribed by my vet if my animal(s) has a subsequent illness. I will not give antibiotics prescribed for my animal(s) to another animal owner and will return unused or expired products to my veterinary practice
I will not ask the vet for an antibiotic prescription for my pet if they have not recommended or prescribed them during the consultation
I pledge to keep my animal(s) away from other animals if they have a possible infection (e.g. diarrhoea and vomiting) to prevent the spread of infection.

Farmers choices *

To help reduce the need for antibiotics I will work with my veterinary surgeon to keep an up to date Animal Health Plan. This will include, if necessary, changes to farm practices such as biosecurity
If I have a disease on my farm, I will work with my vet to identify the cause and any preventative measures or changes to practice which could stop spread or re-infection, so as to reduce the need for antibiotics in the future
If my vet prescribes antibiotics, I will give them in accordance with the instructions provided – e.g. dose, withdrawal period – and make sure that unused or expired products are returned or disposed of correctly and not given to animal(s) for which they have not been prescribed
I will keep full record of all medicines purchased and used on my animals – including in-feed and in-water medicines – and engage in any official sector-wide collection of usage data
I will annually review and discuss the antibiotic use on my farm with my vet, proactively discuss reduction options, and look for ways of reducing, refining or replacing my use as necessary
I will keep my animal(s) healthy through good nutrition and husbandry, relevant vaccination and worming, regular health monitoring or scoring, and by having regular veterinary health checks

Educators choices *

When I’m teaching my pupils about science, I will visit the e-Bug website (www.e-Bug.eu) for resources to help develop a lesson plan for my pupils to educate them on behaviours that reduce infections (i.e: hand washing), which will support efforts to reduce antimicrobial resistance
As part of my next health-related lecture, I will get my students to complete the Antibiotic Guardian online quiz and encourage them to choose their own pledge and become Antibiotic Guardians.
I will encourage my students to impart their knowledge, challenge their peers to take the Antibiotic Guardian quiz online and choose a pledge to become an Antibiotic Guardian.
I will visit a local school, college or youth group and use the e-Bug resources to teach students and young people about antibiotics and resistance. Available at:https://www.e-bug.eu

Scientist choices *

To improve detection of infection and antimicrobial resistance determination, I will evaluate at least one diagnostic test used within my laboratory between November and March
To promote understanding of antibiotic resistance during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, I will host/co-host an event for patients, public or scientists
As part of my contribution to tackle antimicrobial resistance, I will participate in collaborative antibiotic resistance research
To contribute to patient care, I will undertake antibiotic resistance testing to the best of my abilities and to the highest quality
To increase my understanding of antimicrobial resistance I will attend a conference, lectures or undertake self-led learning between November and March

Students choices *

The next time I see an antibiotic prescribed, I will ask the prescriber about the indication and duration, to understand if this is in accordance to local and national guidelines
The next time I see that a recommended infection prevention practice is not being adhered to (e.g. hand hygiene, on-farm biosecurity), I will respectfully challenge my peers and healthcare workers/veterinarians
I will use the e-Bug young adult peer education materials on drug-resistant infections, antibiotic use and vaccinations to educate and inform my peers. Available at: https://www.e-bug.eu
I will familiarise myself with PROTECT, the British Veterinary Society’s 7-point plan or similar guidance materials and resources regarding prudent use of antimicrobials within the animal sector and discuss them in my classes
I will ask my tutors to discuss in class the challenges of responsible use of antibiotics in various animal sectors, including companion animals
If I’m prescribed antibiotics, I will take them exactly as prescribed and never share them with others
For infections that my body can fight off on its own, like coughs, colds, sore throats and flu, I pledge to talk to my pharmacist about how to treat my symptoms first rather than going to the GP
I will wash my hands after sneezing or coughing to reduce transmission of infection and antibiotic resistance
To help address patient expectations for antibiotics in self-limiting conditions, I will promote nationally or locally agreed key messages, to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance.

Recommended CPD on antimicrobial resistance
• E-bug peer-education package, to help educate you and give you the tools to teach other students or members of the public http://bit.ly/e-bug-peer
• CPPE Antibacterial resistance open learning package. Available (from 18/11/14) via British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association http://bit.ly/1EHqHwX
• Antibiotic Guardian recommended CPD resources http://bit.ly/EAAD-AG-CPD

Primary care choices *

When I see a child with a respiratory tract infection I will share the “When should I worry” booklet with parents/carers. Available at http://www.whenshouldiworry.com/
I will ensure all prescribers in my practice including locums have easy access to the local and national antibiotic guidance
I will adopt the use of delayed/backup prescription when I am uncertain of the need to prescribe for a self-limiting infection.
When I issue a delayed or back up prescription, I will ask the patient to make a note of whether or not they have used the prescription and to share during their next consultation or Medication Review
When I see a patient with a self-limiting respiratory tract infection, I will discuss methods of self-care and safety netting rather than prescribing antibiotics and share the TARGET “Treating your infection” leaflet available at http://www.rcgp.org.uk/clinical-and-research/toolkits/target-antibiotic-toolkit.aspx
I will review my practice prescribing against that of the area and national averages on reporting dashboards, such as Fingertips.
To help address patient expectations for antibiotics in self-limiting conditions, I will promote nationally or locally agreed key messages, to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance.

Secondary care choices *

I will undertake one of the recommended CPD activities on the European Antimicrobial Awareness Day resources page during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week.
If I prescribe an antibiotic then I will document indication, duration and review dates on the drug chart in line with Start Smart then Focus antimicrobial stewardship guidance
I will review and share my Trusts prescribing data with my colleagues and use this to inform my own prescribing
When I prescribe antibiotics for sepsis I will supervise their prompt delivery and review for de-escalation opportunities within 48-72 hours
To help address patient expectations for antibiotics in self-limiting conditions, I will promote nationally or locally agreed key messages, to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance.
I will ensure that all members of my team know how to access local antibiotic guidance and will use these guidelines to inform antibiotic choice

Specialists choices *

I will create or update a written action plan for the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship guidelines (or toolkits such as SSTF or TARGET) within my organisation and promote its implementation.
I will champion Antibiotic Guardian within my team and organisation by encouraging others to pledge
I will lead or support promotional activities for European Antimicrobial Awareness Day and World Antimicrobial Awareness Week within my organisation.
If I see a prescription written outside of local antimicrobial prescribing or stewardship guidelines I will contact the prescriber to discuss the rationale for the antibiotic choice and educate if appropriate, sharing the local prescribing guidelines with the prescriber and their team.
I will ensure that guidelines for diagnosis and management of common infections (including Sepsis) are readily and reliably accessed by supporting their design and dissemination
To help address patient expectations for antibiotics in self-limiting conditions, I will promote nationally or locally agreed key messages, to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance.
I pledge to ensure infection prevention control processes are implemented effectively and consistently as an effective way of reducing infections and therefore antibiotic prescribing.

Nurses choices *

Every time I give antibiotics, I will prompt the prescriber to document their reviewing decision within 48 hours
Every time I give a patient antibiotics I will make sure they know why the antibiotic has been prescribed. I will make sure they understand the importance of taking them exactly as prescribed.
Every time, I see an antibiotic prescription which does not have a specified duration, I will highlight this to the prescriber or pharmacist to ensure the prescription has been reviewed
I pledge to establish or support an antimicrobial stewardship programme alongside key stakeholders which is in line with NICE guidance NG15
To help address patient expectations for antibiotics in self-limiting conditions, I will promote nationally or locally agreed key messages, to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance.
I will advocate for the switch from intravenous antibiotics to oral antibiotics at the earliest possible opportunity.

Pharmacy choices *

I will review antibiotic prescriptions, assessing for adherence to local guidance. For those that do not I will contact the prescriber to discuss the rationale for the antibiotic choice
Every time a person/patient presents with a potentially self-limiting infection I will use the patient information leaflet to explain the potential duration of illness and how to treat their symptoms available at: https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/mod/book/view.php?id=12647
When handing out a prescription that includes antibiotics, I will inform the patients of dose and duration, to take their antibiotics exactly as prescribed and how to safely dispose of antibiotics in the context of preventing antimicrobial resistance.
When people pick up an antibiotic prescription, I will encourage them to visit the Antibiotic Guardian website in order for them to choose their own pledge to become Antibiotic Guardians
To help address patient expectations for antibiotics in self-limiting conditions, I will promote nationally or locally agreed key messages, to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance.
When I undertake Structured Medication Reviews, I will review any antibiotics prescribed either on repeat, or regularly on acute
I will advocate for the switch from intravenous antibiotics to oral antibiotics at the earliest possible opportunity.

Dentists choices *

When managing a patient with dental infections, I will consider alternative treatments, such as drainage, before issuing antibiotics
I will discuss with patients/clients the importance of antimicrobial resistance
I will encourage patients/clients to take the Antibiotic Guardian quiz and make a pledge to become Antibiotic Guardians
If a patient with dental pain requests antibiotics, I will explain why antibiotics are not always appropriate and discuss methods of controlling symptoms rather than prescribing antibiotics as a first course of action
To help address patient expectations for antibiotics in self-limiting conditions, I will promote nationally or locally agreed key messages, to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance.

Other HCPs choices *

I will encourage clients/patients and colleagues to take the online Antibiotic Guardian quiz and choose their own pledge to become Antibiotic Guardians
When I write an antimicrobial prescription I will make sure it’s in line with local or national guidelines
If I am uncertain whether a self-limiting infection needs a prescription I’ll write a delayed or back-up prescription
If I’m supplying an antibiotic for a Patient Group Direction (PGD) I’ll record it and give advice to the patient
I will always record the indication for antibiotic treatment in the patient notes
I pledge to assess my prescribing practice against the prescribing competences to identify any development needs.
To help address patient expectations for antibiotics in self-limiting conditions, I will promote nationally or locally agreed key messages, to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance.

Veterinary Surgeons choices *

I will ensure clients have and understand all the information they need to administer the antibiotic correctly to their animal(s) per the prescription or instruction as well as understand the importance of following the instructions on the label
I will ensure that there are effective and up to date cleaning and disinfection protocols in place to minimise the spread of bacteria between patients within the veterinary practice premises
I will promote culture were appropriate and sensitivity testing wherever possible before prescribing antibiotics and I will report any suspected antibiotics treatment failure to the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH) or the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD)
If there is a need to prescribe antibiotics I will use as narrow a spectrum drug as possible
I will reduce the prophylactic use of antibiotics in farm animals by working with farm clients to produce a clear animal health plan which encourages good bio-security and husbandry practices
I will maintain awareness of antimicrobial resistance through continuous professional development (CPD) and promote a culture of responsible use of antibiotics at work and within my professional network

Executives/Management/Government/Commissioners/Public Health choices *

Local Authorities / Public Health Teams choices *

Midwives choices *

When a mother is prescribed an antibiotic, I will ensure that she understands why they have been prescribed and to how take them
If a mother presents with a self-limiting illness such as a cold, I will ensure she understand that antibiotics are often not needed and has information on how to treat her symptoms and when to seek further advice
When I write an antibiotic prescription, I will make sure that it is in line with local guidelines
To help address patient expectations for antibiotics in self-limiting conditions, I will promote nationally or locally agreed key messages, to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance.

UK & International organisations choices *

We will champion/plan key promotional activities for European Antimicrobial Awareness Day and World Antimicrobial Awareness Week within our local area and to members of our organisation
As an organisation, we will collaborate with stakeholders to help develop a national action plan for our country on antimicrobial resistance in line with the global plan
In support of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, our organisation will share another country’s antimicrobial resistance messages to demonstrate global efforts to reduce antimicrobial resistance
As a public health institution, when we release materials on antimicrobial resistance, we will aim to use plain language which will minimise public misconceptions on drug-resistant infections
To help address patient expectations for antibiotics in self-limiting conditions, I will promote nationally or locally agreed key messages, to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance.
To support appropriate use of antibiotics we will promote nationally or locally agreed key messages to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance with our colleagues, patients and customers
To support appropriate use of antibiotics we will encourage colleagues, patients and customers to choose a pledge and become Antibiotic Guardians
For World Antimicrobial Awareness Week I will collaborate with colleagues in another sector (human or animal) to develop or support One Health campaign

Farm Advisor choices *

I will encourage my clients or those I know who farm to adopt practices that improve the health or immunity of their animals in order to better preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics
To help reduce the need for antibiotics I will, where appropriate, encourage farmers to work with their veterinary surgeon to keep an up to date Animal Health Plan. This will include, if necessary, changes to farm practices such as biosecurity
Where possible I will reinforce the need for the farming industry to reduce, refine and replace antibiotics used, highlighting the commitment of the farming industry to reduce antimicrobial resistance
Where possible, I will reinforce the importance of reducing, refining and replacing antibiotic use to ensure antibiotics the farming industry currently have access to continue to work effectively
Where possible, I will reinforce the husbandry, health and financial benefits that can be achieved from reducing, refining and replacing antibiotic use in partnership with the farm vet.
To help address patient expectations for antibiotics in self-limiting conditions, I will promote nationally or locally agreed key messages, to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance.

Or

I want to create my own pledge

Please choose which of the following themes your pledge best fits with: *

Preventing or controlling infections (e.g vaccination/immunisation; hand washing; good hygiene)
Use of data/surveillance data (e.g. using published national data sources or reports such as PHE Fingertips/ESPAUR report and equivalent; or using data from within your organisation such as those from audits to develop action plans)
Diagnostics
Education and Training (e.g. organising or attending education/training events for healthworkers or the public)
Community/public engagement (leading/organising activities to promote antibiotic awareness or infection prevention messages to patients/public/community/schools)
Research on antimicrobial resistance, prescribing or stewardship
Other

(tick all that apply)

Your pledge *

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For healthcare professionals and students, please provide your work or university postcode.

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CURRENT PLEDGES: 196148

Antibiotic resistance remains one of the biggest threats facing us today.

Why it is relevant to you:

What we want you to do:

Call to action:

BECOME AN ANTIBIOTIC GUARDIAN
CHOOSE YOUR PLEDGE NOW!

I am a

SELECT A PLEDGE MESSAGE

Permission to follow up

Antibiotic Guardian

CURRENT PLEDGES: 196148

Antibiotic resistance remains one of the biggest threats facing us today.

Why it is relevant to you:

What we want you to do:

Call to action:

BECOME AN ANTIBIOTIC GUARDIAN CHOOSE YOUR PLEDGE NOW!

I am a

SELECT A PLEDGE MESSAGE

Permission to follow up

Antibiotic Guardian

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BECOME AN ANTIBIOTIC GUARDIAN
CHOOSE YOUR PLEDGE NOW!