Monday marked the beginning of Antibiotic Awareness Week 2014, a global campaign to raise awareness of antibiotic resistance and promote the responsible use of antibiotics.

This year’s campaign for hospitals focuses on the theme Preserve the Miracle of Antibiotics: No action today, no cure tomorrow, and highlights seven actions you can take to improve antibiotic prescribing and use.

Action 1: Obtain cultures before starting therapy

Action 2: Use Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic*

Action 3: Document indication and review date

Action 4: Review and reassess antibiotics at 48 hours

Action 5: Consider IV to oral switch

Action 6: Seek advice for complex cases

Action 7: Educate patients about antibiotic use

For more details on the Commission’s Antibiotic Awareness Week 2014 Campaign