Abstract Introduction
Community pharmacy staff have the opportunity to influence patients' use of antibiotics by advising patients on effective self-care option, appropriateness of antibiotics, antibiotic adherence and the consequences of using antibiotics incorrectly.AimsTo improve self-care and adherence advice given to patients/carers collecting antibiotics.
Methods
Community pharmacies in Gloucestershire were invited to participate in an antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) intervention, developed collaboratively with community pharmacists and pharmacy users. The intervention was centred around an Antibiotic Checklist that follows the antibiotic prescription journey, completed by patients and pharmacists, facilitating individualised advice to the patient. Patients completing checklists were invited to feed back.
Results
Twelve Gloucestershire pharmacies participated. Over four weeks, 931 Antibiotic Checklists were completed, enabling tailored antibiotic advice to be given to these patients/carers. 82% (595/724) of patients/carers that completed the Antibiotic Checklist reported knowing whether the antibiotics should be taken with or without food, whereas 18% (129/742) did not. 49% (340/701) reported that their antibiotic was for a RTI; 22% (157/701) UTI; 14% (98/701) dental; 9% (62/701) skin. 34% (68/201) of patients that left contact details provided feedback: all now intend to or reported already taking their antibiotics as advised by their doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Conclusions
The Antibiotic Checklist provided valuable information on antibiotic indication and patient knowledge, to individualise AMS. Community pharmacy staff reported that this facilitated their role to Keep Antibiotics Working. We suggest the intervention is incorporated into KAW. External funding details This project was supported by a HEE innovation fund.