What resources are available to help me stay updated on local antibiotic resistance patterns and guidelines?

Healthcare professionals can access several resources to stay updated on local antibiotic resistance patterns and guidelines. Local antimicrobial stewardship networks are recommended to facilitate communication and sharing of information on antimicrobial prescribing, resistance, and patient safety incidents across all care settings. These networks support the dissemination of local resistance data and guideline updates to prescribers and other healthcare staff. ²

Local antimicrobial guidelines are essential resources that healthcare professionals should follow. These guidelines are developed based on local resistance patterns and national recommendations, ensuring that prescribing practices are aligned with current evidence and local microbiology. Regular updates and awareness-raising about these guidelines among prescribers are encouraged. ²

Laboratory testing and microbiology reports provide critical information on the susceptibility of organisms to antimicrobials, which should be aligned with local and national treatment guidelines. Reviewing microbiology results helps clinicians tailor antimicrobial therapy appropriately. ²

Peer review and local prescribing audits are suggested to promote an open culture where prescribing practices can be reviewed and improved based on local data and guidelines. This process helps maintain adherence to stewardship principles. ²

Collaboration between local authorities, clinical commissioning groups, and healthcare providers ensures consistent information and advice are available to healthcare professionals, supporting implementation of antimicrobial stewardship guidelines and local resistance data dissemination. ¹