Sep 23
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LYNDON FORREST
Secure Patient Care with an Antimicrobial Stewardship Course
The escalating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threat is a vital concern in global healthcare today. As bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites evolve to withstand the medications intended to eliminate them, managing even basic infections becomes increasingly challenging. We, as healthcare workers, need to take urgent action to address this issue. Particularly in our daily work where antibiotics are commonly used.
Antimicrobial stewardship is a strategic approach aimed at improving the use of these medications, ensuring that they remain effective. Joining an antimicrobial stewardship course helps healthcare professionals learn how to use antibiotics properly, which can reduce resistance. This leads to better treatment and care for patients.
Antimicrobial stewardship is a strategic approach aimed at improving the use of these medications, ensuring that they remain effective. Joining an antimicrobial stewardship course helps healthcare professionals learn how to use antibiotics properly, which can reduce resistance. This leads to better treatment and care for patients.
Understanding Antimicrobial Stewardship
Antimicrobial stewardship involves a coordinated set of practices designed to measure and improve the appropriate use of antimicrobials. The goal is to ensure the correct choice of drug, dosage and duration of treatment for every patient.
This approach maximises therapeutic benefits while minimising potential harms, such as side effects and the emergence of resistant organisms. The main goal is to keep antibiotics working well for future generations. This is possible if we stop the spread of resistant infections and ensure better health results for patients.
Patient safety is at the centre of antimicrobial stewardship. Improper use of antibiotics can lead to numerous complications. These includes adverse drug reactions, Clostridioides difficile infections, and the spread of resistant bacteria. Using good stewardship practices helps healthcare providers lower risks, keep patients safe, and maintain high-quality care.
This approach maximises therapeutic benefits while minimising potential harms, such as side effects and the emergence of resistant organisms. The main goal is to keep antibiotics working well for future generations. This is possible if we stop the spread of resistant infections and ensure better health results for patients.
Patient safety is at the centre of antimicrobial stewardship. Improper use of antibiotics can lead to numerous complications. These includes adverse drug reactions, Clostridioides difficile infections, and the spread of resistant bacteria. Using good stewardship practices helps healthcare providers lower risks, keep patients safe, and maintain high-quality care.
Why Take an Antimicrobial Stewardship Course?
Antimicrobial stewardship courses are designed to address critical gaps in knowledge related to the improper use of antibiotics. Many healthcare professionals may lack formal training in areas like antibiotic prescribing, microbial resistance, and infection management. A complete course gives important education on these topics. That helps the healthcare providers make better, fact-based decisions in their daily work.
The Impact of Training on Clinical Outcomes
Training in antimicrobial stewardship can directly affect clinical outcomes. These courses equip healthcare professionals with the tools to reduce improper prescribing, decrease adverse effects, and improve patient care.
Healthcare professionals who receive adequate training are better equipped to assess the necessity of antibiotics. They can choose the right antibiotic for the infection and decide how long treatment should last. This leads to better patient outcomes and lower resistance rates.
Healthcare professionals who receive adequate training are better equipped to assess the necessity of antibiotics. They can choose the right antibiotic for the infection and decide how long treatment should last. This leads to better patient outcomes and lower resistance rates.
Key Benefits of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Course
Improving Diagnostic Accuracy for Infections
A significant benefit of antimicrobial stewardship training is the improvement in the accuracy of diagnosis. Correct diagnosis is vital for determining whether antibiotics are necessary. The course teaches healthcare professionals to identify between bacterial and viral infections, use diagnostic tools effectively, and interpret test results accurately.
Enhancing Decision-Making in Prescribing Antibiotics
Stewardship courses provide a framework for improving decision-making when prescribing antibiotics. Participants are taught to follow evidence-based guidelines. They also need to take patient-specific factors into account and be mindful of local resistance patterns. This knowledge empowers healthcare professionals to make better choices, resulting in more targeted therapies and improved patient care.
Target Audience for Antimicrobial Stewardship Courses
Healthcare Professionals: Who Will Benefit the Most?
Antimicrobial stewardship courses are essential for a range of healthcare professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and infection prevention specialists. Everyone involved in patient care needs thorough training to ensure the proper use of antibiotics. Each role is crucial in this process.
Courses for Nurses, Pharmacists, and Physicians
Nurses can gain valuable knowledge concerning the correct administration and monitoring of antibiotics. Pharmacists will take a more active role in stewardship efforts, such as conducting medication reviews and optimising antibiotic use. Physicians will refine their diagnostic and prescribing skills, leading to more effective and specific treatment plans.
Core Elements of a Comprehensive Antimicrobial Stewardship Course
Understanding Microbial Resistance: A Deep Dive
An effective antimicrobial stewardship course examines the challenges of microbial resistance, including its development, impact on patient care, and broader public health implications. Understanding these mechanisms helps healthcare professionals anticipate resistance patterns and choose the most effective treatments.
Best Practices in Antibiotic Prescribing and Management
The courses cover best practices for prescribing and managing antibiotics. They will help you learn when to prescribe, which antibiotic to use, the right dosage, and how long the treatment should last. Following these practices helps reduce resistance and improve patient outcomes.
Curriculum Highlights: What You Will Learn
The core focus of the curriculum is on strategies to minimise antibiotic overuse. Participants learn to apply clinical guidelines. This can help them use well-judged decisions, avoid unnecessary prescriptions, and consider alternative treatments when suitable.
Healthcare professionals are equipped with essential skills to identify and closely monitor antimicrobial resistance within their institutions. The course specifically encompasses surveillance tools, data collection, and analyze techniques to monitor resistance patterns and decisively guide treatment decisions.
Healthcare professionals are equipped with essential skills to identify and closely monitor antimicrobial resistance within their institutions. The course specifically encompasses surveillance tools, data collection, and analyze techniques to monitor resistance patterns and decisively guide treatment decisions.
Tools and Resources Provided in the Course
Interactive Modules and Simulations for Hands-On Learning
Many stewardship courses, including those offered by Infection Prevention Services (IPS), feature interactive modules and simulations that provide hands-on learning opportunities. These courses allow participants to practice their skills in realistic scenarios, enhancing their understanding and ability to apply stewardship principles effectively.
Access to the Latest Research and Guidelines
Participants will gain access to the latest research, clinical guidelines, and evidence-based practices in antimicrobial stewardship. This ensures they remain up-to-date with the rapidly evolving landscape of antibiotic resistance and stewardship strategies.
Infection Prevention Services (IPS) offers online training through the HUB and EVE. Healthcare professionals can explore comprehensive resources and deepen their understanding of stewardship practices for free within 7 Days. Opt-in for the free trial here
Infection Prevention Services (IPS) offers online training through the HUB and EVE. Healthcare professionals can explore comprehensive resources and deepen their understanding of stewardship practices for free within 7 Days. Opt-in for the free trial here
Building Confidence in Antimicrobial Stewardship
How the Course Helps Overcome Common Clinical Challenges
Courses address common clinical challenges, such as managing patient expectations, dealing with diagnostic uncertainties, and navigating complex treatment decisions. The course helps build confidence in handling these challenges effectively by providing practical tools and knowledge.
Gaining Competence in Communicating Stewardship Principles
Effective communication is crucial for successful antimicrobial stewardship. Courses will teach participants how to communicate the principles of stewardship to patients, colleagues, and the broader healthcare team. This allows a collective commitment to responsible antibiotic use.
Certification and Licensing
Certification in antimicrobial stewardship adds significant value to any healthcare professional's credentials. It indicates a high level of expertise and dedication to patient safety and care. Which makes certified individuals more competitive in the job market.
License builds trust with both patients and colleagues by demonstrating adherence to established standards of care. Rest assured that you are in the hands of highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals. Facilities with ongoing trainings can be fully dedicated to ensuring your health and safety.
Courses provide practical advice for applying stewardship principles in daily practice. This usually covers developing protocols, using diagnostic tools efficiently, and fostering an environment that supports responsible antibiotic use.
Successful stewardship requires accountability and responsibility. The course offers strategies for growing this within healthcare teams. Ensuring that every team member understands their role in promoting safe antibiotic practices.
License builds trust with both patients and colleagues by demonstrating adherence to established standards of care. Rest assured that you are in the hands of highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals. Facilities with ongoing trainings can be fully dedicated to ensuring your health and safety.
Courses provide practical advice for applying stewardship principles in daily practice. This usually covers developing protocols, using diagnostic tools efficiently, and fostering an environment that supports responsible antibiotic use.
Successful stewardship requires accountability and responsibility. The course offers strategies for growing this within healthcare teams. Ensuring that every team member understands their role in promoting safe antibiotic practices.
Overcoming Barriers to Effective Stewardship
One of the main barriers to effective stewardship is a resistance to change among staff. Courses provide strategies for overcoming this resistance. This includes ongoing education, clear communication, and involving staff in the decision-making processes.
Ongoing education and compliance are vital for the visbility of stewardship programs. Courses highlight the importance of continuous education and provide tools to maintain engagement and adherence to best practices.
Ongoing education and compliance are vital for the visbility of stewardship programs. Courses highlight the importance of continuous education and provide tools to maintain engagement and adherence to best practices.
Evaluating the Success of Your Stewardship Efforts
Courses will teach participants how to check the success of their stewardship programs using key metrics. That includes antibiotic usage rates, resistance patterns, and patient outcomes. Regular monitoring and assessment help identify areas for improvement and ensure continued success.
Participants learn how to refine their strategies based on data and feedback. Ensuring their stewardship efforts remain effective and responsive in changing conditions. This adaptive approach is essential for maintaining the relevance and impact of stewardship programs.
The future of antimicrobial stewardship is shaped by emerging trends, including specially prescribed medicine, rapid diagnostics, and new antimicrobial agents. Staying informed is vital for healthcare professionals committed to effective stewardship. Continuous learning is critical for staying ahead of resistance patterns and maintaining best practices in antimicrobial stewardship. Healthcare professionals must commit to ongoing education to provide the highest standard of care for their patients.
Remember to look for programs with a complete curriculum. Check if they have well experienced teachers, interactive learning, and up-to-date content when choosing a course. High-quality programs provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Participants learn how to refine their strategies based on data and feedback. Ensuring their stewardship efforts remain effective and responsive in changing conditions. This adaptive approach is essential for maintaining the relevance and impact of stewardship programs.
The future of antimicrobial stewardship is shaped by emerging trends, including specially prescribed medicine, rapid diagnostics, and new antimicrobial agents. Staying informed is vital for healthcare professionals committed to effective stewardship. Continuous learning is critical for staying ahead of resistance patterns and maintaining best practices in antimicrobial stewardship. Healthcare professionals must commit to ongoing education to provide the highest standard of care for their patients.
Remember to look for programs with a complete curriculum. Check if they have well experienced teachers, interactive learning, and up-to-date content when choosing a course. High-quality programs provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Conclusion
Investing in antimicrobial stewardship training is essential for improving patient care, combating resistance, and fostering professional growth. Equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact on public health.
Consider enrolling in an antimicrobial stewardship course today to enhance your expertise, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to global efforts against antimicrobial resistance. Try out IPS’s online training with a 7-Day Free Trial on the IPS Hub. Gain access to helpful resources and support for your learning journey. Sign up for the free trial here
Antimicrobial stewardship is a collective responsibility that requires dedication from all healthcare professionals. Begin your journey today and become a leader in promoting safe and effective antibiotic use.
Consider enrolling in an antimicrobial stewardship course today to enhance your expertise, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to global efforts against antimicrobial resistance. Try out IPS’s online training with a 7-Day Free Trial on the IPS Hub. Gain access to helpful resources and support for your learning journey. Sign up for the free trial here
Antimicrobial stewardship is a collective responsibility that requires dedication from all healthcare professionals. Begin your journey today and become a leader in promoting safe and effective antibiotic use.
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Lyndon Forrest
Managing Director | CEO
I am a passionate and visionary leader who has been working in the field of infection prevention and control in aged care for almost 30 years. I am one of the co-founders and the current Managing Director and CEO of Bug Control New Zealand and Australia, the premium provider of infection prevention and control services in aged care. I lead a team that is driven by a common purpose: to help aged care leaders and staff protect their residents from infections and create a healthier future for them.
I am building a business that focuses on our clients and solving their problems. We are focused on building a world-class service in aged care. We focus on being better, not bigger, which means anything we do is for our clients.
I am a passionate and visionary leader who has been working in the field of infection prevention and control in aged care for almost 30 years. I am one of the co-founders and the current Managing Director and CEO of Bug Control New Zealand and Australia, the premium provider of infection prevention and control services in aged care. I lead a team that is driven by a common purpose: to help aged care leaders and staff protect their residents from infections and create a healthier future for them.
I am building a business that focuses on our clients and solving their problems. We are focused on building a world-class service in aged care. We focus on being better, not bigger, which means anything we do is for our clients.
Erica Leadley
Manager, Marketing and Sales
Erica Leadley is a dedicated professional with a rich background in agriculture and nutrient management. Growing up on her family's farm in Mid Canterbury, she developed a deep passion for farming. She currently resides on her partner's arable property in South Canterbury.
In 2017, Erica joined the Farm Sustainability team, focusing on nutrient management and environmental stewardship. In February 2024, she became the Manager of Marketing and Sales at Bug Control New Zealand - Infection Prevention Services, where her passion now includes improving infection prevention outcomes.
Outside of work, Erica loves cooking and traveling, often combining her culinary interests with her explorations in Italy and Vietnam. She enjoys entertaining family and friends and remains actively involved in farm activities, especially during harvest season.
Erica Leadley is a dedicated professional with a rich background in agriculture and nutrient management. Growing up on her family's farm in Mid Canterbury, she developed a deep passion for farming. She currently resides on her partner's arable property in South Canterbury.
In 2017, Erica joined the Farm Sustainability team, focusing on nutrient management and environmental stewardship. In February 2024, she became the Manager of Marketing and Sales at Bug Control New Zealand - Infection Prevention Services, where her passion now includes improving infection prevention outcomes.
Outside of work, Erica loves cooking and traveling, often combining her culinary interests with her explorations in Italy and Vietnam. She enjoys entertaining family and friends and remains actively involved in farm activities, especially during harvest season.
Toni Sherriff
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Toni is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Infection Prevention and Control. Her career began as a kitchen hand and caregiver in Aged Care facilities, followed by earning a Bachelor of Nursing.
Toni has significant experience, having worked in Brisbane’s Infectious Diseases ward before returning home to New Zealand, where she continued her career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control within Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ).
Toni brings her expertise and dedication to our team, which is instrumental in providing top-tier infection prevention solutions to our clients.
Toni is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Infection Prevention and Control. Her career began as a kitchen hand and caregiver in Aged Care facilities, followed by earning a Bachelor of Nursing.
Toni has significant experience, having worked in Brisbane’s Infectious Diseases ward before returning home to New Zealand, where she continued her career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control within Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ).
Toni brings her expertise and dedication to our team, which is instrumental in providing top-tier infection prevention solutions to our clients.
Julie Hadfield
Accounts & Payroll
Julie is experienced in Accounts & Payroll Administration & after a long career in both the Financial & Local Government Sectors, is now working with our team. Julie brings her strong time management & organisational skills to our team, which is important to keep the company running in the background to enable the rest of our team to provide top notch service to all of our clients.
Julie is experienced in Accounts & Payroll Administration & after a long career in both the Financial & Local Government Sectors, is now working with our team. Julie brings her strong time management & organisational skills to our team, which is important to keep the company running in the background to enable the rest of our team to provide top notch service to all of our clients.
Andrea Murray
Content Editor
I attended Otago University in NZ and graduated as a Dental Surgeon. After 40 years in the profession, I retired in 2022. Infection prevention knowledge was part of everyday practice, dealing with sterilisation, hand hygiene, and cleaning.
Before retiring, I began doing some editing and proofreading for Bug Control as I am interested in the subject and in the English language. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I attended the ACIPC course "Introduction to Infection Prevention and Control", which increased my interest in the subject. I now work part-time as the Content Editor for the company.
I attended Otago University in NZ and graduated as a Dental Surgeon. After 40 years in the profession, I retired in 2022. Infection prevention knowledge was part of everyday practice, dealing with sterilisation, hand hygiene, and cleaning.
Before retiring, I began doing some editing and proofreading for Bug Control as I am interested in the subject and in the English language. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I attended the ACIPC course "Introduction to Infection Prevention and Control", which increased my interest in the subject. I now work part-time as the Content Editor for the company.
Personally, I lived in the UK for 10 years. My two children were born in Scotland, and now both are living in Europe, one in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and the other in Edinburgh, Scotland. I live close to Fairlie on the South Island of NZ, a beautiful part of the country, and I love being out of the city.
Princess
Customer Support
Princess began her career as a dedicated Customer Service Representative, honing her communication and problem-solving skills. She later transitioned into a Literary Specialist role, where she developed a keen eye for detail. Her journey then led her to a Sales Specialist position, where she excelled in client relations.
Now, as a Customer Support professional in Infection Prevention Services. Princess focuses on ensuring customer satisfaction, building loyalty, and enhancing the overall customer journey.
Princess began her career as a dedicated Customer Service Representative, honing her communication and problem-solving skills. She later transitioned into a Literary Specialist role, where she developed a keen eye for detail. Her journey then led her to a Sales Specialist position, where she excelled in client relations.
Now, as a Customer Support professional in Infection Prevention Services. Princess focuses on ensuring customer satisfaction, building loyalty, and enhancing the overall customer journey.
Dianne Newey
Senior Infection Prevention and Control Consultant
With over 35 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, I'm now applying all my experience and skills as a Senior Infection Prevention and Control Consultant with Bug Control Infection Prevention Advisory Services.
This is through IP&C education, IP&C environmental audits and reports, IP&C policy and procedure review and development and consultancy on infection prevention and control issues. When I’m not working, I spend time with my family and in my garden, where I grow all my own veggies.
With over 35 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, I'm now applying all my experience and skills as a Senior Infection Prevention and Control Consultant with Bug Control Infection Prevention Advisory Services.
In my role, I promote Infection Prevention and Control, to RACF's and disability support services.
This is through IP&C education, IP&C environmental audits and reports, IP&C policy and procedure review and development and consultancy on infection prevention and control issues. When I’m not working, I spend time with my family and in my garden, where I grow all my own veggies.
Caoimhe (Keva) Stewart
Manager of Customer Service
Caoimhe is the Manager of Customer Service at Bug Control | Infection Prevention Services, where she ensures that learners have a seamless and supportive experience. With her previous experience as a Registered Nurse in both the UK and Australia, Caoimhe brings a deep understanding of healthcare to her role. Before joining Bug Control IPS Services, she worked in a variety of nursing settings, including Occupational Health, Palliative Care, and Community Nursing, providing her with the ability to empathise with learners and understand the challenges they face.
Caoimhe is the Manager of Customer Service at Bug Control | Infection Prevention Services, where she ensures that learners have a seamless and supportive experience. With her previous experience as a Registered Nurse in both the UK and Australia, Caoimhe brings a deep understanding of healthcare to her role. Before joining Bug Control IPS Services, she worked in a variety of nursing settings, including Occupational Health, Palliative Care, and Community Nursing, providing her with the ability to empathise with learners and understand the challenges they face.
Her move from nursing to customer service was driven by her passion for helping others, not just in clinical settings but also in ensuring that people have access to the resources and support they need. Now, Caoimhe applies her problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and communication expertise to her role, helping to create a positive and effective learning environment for all students.
Outside of work, Caoimhe enjoys travelling, staying active, and catching up with friends on the weekends. Whether in healthcare or customer service, she’s dedicated to making a meaningful difference and supporting people in their personal and professional growth.