Prescribing for the scenario

We will now begin to consider who needs to be involved if antimicrobial stewardship is to be embedded in clinical and organisational practice and become a routine and multidisciplinary activity.

As a first step, imagine you are working on the ward in the scenario during Bill and Fred’s initial admission. During a ward round you see another patient, John (not shown in the video), who was admitted 5 days prior with urinary retention. John is feeling unwell today and is “shivery”.

Look at the observation chart provided in the “download” section below. A decision will be made to prescribe an antibiotic for John. Consider the following questions and post your comments below:

• Who would usually be involved in the prescribing decision for John where you work?

• Are there other healthcare professionals who you think should be involved in the prescribing decision?