Nurses are part of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Team
Nurses are part of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Team
Active engagement of nurses in antimicrobial stewardship activities is long-overdue. We can all appreciate the nursing presence in management of antimicrobials in different clinical settings, however there is little to no evidence that supports nurses as antimicrobial stewards. This is partly due to barriers, and knowledge gaps that currently exist in nursing practice. We have created nursing resources to help address some of the knowledge gaps that currently exist.
Active engagement of nurses in antimicrobial stewardship activities is long-overdue. We can all appreciate the nursing presence in management of antimicrobials in different clinical settings, however there is little to no evidence that supports nurses as antimicrobial stewards. This is partly due to barriers, and knowledge gaps that currently exist in nursing practice. We have created nursing resources to help address some of the knowledge gaps that currently exist.
Antimicrobial Stewardship for Patients and the Public
COVID - 19
It's on everybody's mind and information is constantly changing. The Ontario COVID-19 Clinical Practice Guideline Committee helps by providing up-to-date answers to your questions about medication and COVID-19.
What is Antimicrobial Stewardship?
Antimicrobial Stewardship helps to ensure that people get the right antibiotics, when they need them. Our goal is to help reduce antimicrobial resistance and keep antibiotics working.
Antibiotics are a precious resource
Let's keep them working, together.
Ask questions
Cold, flu, allergies, bacterial infection? Sometimes it's hard to tell. Ask your healthcare provider what your symptoms are all about before assuming you need antibiotics. Antibiotics aren't effective in treating viral infections like the cold or flu.
Wash your hands
Preventing infections is key to avoiding antimicrobial use. Wash your hands to help keep those bugs at bay.
Don't share!
Don't take left over antibiotics or share them with other people. Seek advice before starting a course of antibiotics, every time.
Get vaccinated
No one likes needles. But a little prevention is worth a trip to the doctor or hospital. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the annual flu shot and other opportunities to keep infections from starting or becoming serious.
What can you do?
What's the big deal with antibiotics anyway?
We live with our own system of good bacteria in and on our bodies. Antibiotics can disrupt this harmony and cause other side effects.
Antibiotics and You
Bacteria are part of a normal, healthy body. Learn more about how to protect yourself and your microbiome!