Antimicrobial resistance and stewardship

Pharmacy guide

These top ten tips will help you fight antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

And we've got more practical tips to promote antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) for better and safer antimicrobial use.  

^{Published: 28 August 2022
Updated: 20 September 2024}

Top ten ways you can fight AMR and promote safer antimicrobial use

1. Prevent antimicrobial overuse – prescribe appropriately and advise on self-care and self-limiting conditions
2. Prevent antimicrobial misuse – check appropriateness of prescriptions
3. Educate patients about the effective use of antimicrobials – advise on self-care and self-limiting conditions, counsel and explain how antimicrobials work and distribute leaflets
4. Train and educate your team
5. Promote best use of NHS resources – e.g., common clinical conditions and ailments services and influenza vaccination 
6. Pledge to become an Antibiotic Guardian – visit Antibiotic Guardian and support the better use of antibiotics
7. Get involved – join local AMS groups/networks and participate in an amnesty – our AMS resources page has more information on networks
8. Raise awareness – promote campaigns, e.g., World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (in November), put up posters, engage on social media, promote Antibiotic Guardian pledges. See our AMS resources page for further information on campaigns and initiatives
9. Audit your AMS activity – our clinical audits pharmacy guide will help you do this
10. Maintain hand hygiene in the workplace – use alcohol-based hand rubs and watch the NHS handwashing video.

Log in or become a member to find out more.