NPS MedicineWise Learning

On completion of this module you should be able to:

• describe the key components of appropriate antimicrobial prescribing
• differentiate between prophylactic, empirical and directed therapy
• outline the major adverse effects of antimicrobial therapy
• implement a systematic approach to using current antimicrobial guidelines for prescribing.

On completion of this module you should be able to:

• take the appropriate initial management steps for suspected line sepsis
• de-escalate antibacterial therapy based on preliminary laboratory results
• choose a definitive antibacterial treatment regimen based on susceptibility test results.

On completion of this module you should be able to:

• define clinical signs and symptoms consistent with catheter-associated urinary tract (CA-UTI) infection
• order investigations to identify the presence and aetiology of CA-UTI
• name bacteria commonly associated with CA-UTI
• prescribe appropriate empiric and directed antimicrobial therapy for CA-UTI
• describe measures to prevent the development of CA-UTI.

On completion of this module you should be able to:

• identify the clinical signs and symptoms of Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
• order the preliminary investigations required to diagnose and manage CAP
• establish the severity of the disease using a scoring tool such as SMART- COP
• prescribe empiric and directed antimicrobial therapy for CAP
• identify the normal progression of CAP when on appropriate therapy.

On completion of this module you should be able to:

• Identify the elements of best practice communication that consider the individual needs of patients when discussing high-risk prescription medicines
• Apply effective communication strategies and techniques to explain the risks of long-term use and dependence before prescribing high-risk medicines
• Implement practice policies, set behaviour standards and use de-escalation techniques to reduce risks for health professionals and patients in challenging situations
• Determine best practice follow-up protocols for patients who have high-risk use or are dependent on high-risk medicines. These may include specialist referrals.