Implement antimicrobial stewardship programmes across all care settings to promote judicious use of antimicrobials and monitor prescribing patterns NICE NG15.
Support prescribers with education and training on antimicrobial resistance and stewardship practices NICE NG15.
Develop and follow local and national antimicrobial guidelines to ensure appropriate prescribing, including the shortest effective course, correct dose, and route of administration NICE NG15.
Encourage clinical assessment and documentation of diagnosis and symptoms before prescribing antimicrobials, and review prescriptions when microbiological results are available NICE NG15.
Use microbiological testing appropriately to guide targeted therapy, especially in recurrent or persistent infections NICE NG15.
Monitor and evaluate antimicrobial prescribing and resistance trends regularly, providing feedback to prescribers and updating guidelines accordingly NICE NG15.
Promote communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals to share learning, support peer review, and ensure consistent messaging about antimicrobial use NICE NG15.