Quick reference guide
RPS Antimicrobial Stewardship Quick Reference Guide: When advising on self-limiting conditions, it may be helpful to think about the 6Rs in the RPS Antimicrobial Stewardship Quick Reference Guide and provide:
- Reassurance – reassure the patient about the infection
- Reasons – explain why antimicrobials are not normally necessary
- Relief options – suggest suitable over-the-counter products for symptom relief (e.g. paracetamol for pain)
- Realistic times – give a realistic time when the patient can expect to start feeling better
- Reinforcement – provide written information to support the advice given (e.g. the Treating Your Infection leaflet)
- Rescue information – i.e. when to seek further help or advice.
e-Bug is a free educational resource developed by PHE for classroom and home use. It makes learning about microbes, antibiotics, and the spread, treatment and prevention of infection fun and accessible for all.
Acknowledgements
Professor Tracey Thornley, honorary professor in pharmacy practice, University of Nottingham; Professor Alison Blenkinsopp; and Rosie Allison, Research Project Support Officer, Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Public Health England, are acknowledged for reviewing the update to this CPD module, a version of which was originally published in 2016.