Join the Pharmacist Antimicrobial Stewardship Network (PAMS-net)
How to join
Joining the network is simple and open to all pharmacists with an interest in responsible antimicrobial use.
1. Sign into the IIOP website
2. Select “Courses and Events”
3. Choose the “Forum” tab
4. Register for the Pharmacist Antimicrobial Stewardship Network (PAMS-net)
Once registered, you will gain access to the discussion forum, resources, updates, and network events.
About the network
The PAMS-net was developed through a collaboration between the HSE Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control (AMRIC) team and the Irish Institute of Pharmacy (IIOP).
PAMS-net supports pharmacists across all sectors to work towards a shared goal: promoting responsible antimicrobial use in all patients and limiting the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
The PAMS-net vision is to provide a more joined up approach to antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) across the pharmacy profession to support shared learning and to maximise pharmacists’ involvement in AMS for all patients.
PAMS-net offers members:
- A discussion forum that supports shared learning, collaboration, and peer support
- Educational events that contribute to AMS CPD, explore key stewardship topics, and highlight local and international AMS initiatives
- Regular updates and network communications to keep members informed of developments in AMS
Who can join
All pharmacists with an interest in AMS are welcome, including those working in:
- Community pharmacy
- Hospital and acute care settings
- Primary care and GP practices
- Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) services
- Education, research, and academia
- HSE services and national bodies
The network is inclusive of:
- Pharmacists new to AMS
- Experienced antimicrobial pharmacists
- Pharmacists at any stage of their career
Pharmacists in all settings play a vital role in AMS through their expertise in medicines and accessibility to patients.
What is antimicrobial stewardship (AMS)?
AMS includes any activity that promotes responsible use of antimicrobials.
The purpose of AMS is:
- to support delivery of the right antimicrobial, at the right time, dose and duration to meet patients’ needs
- to protect patients from avoidable harm related to inappropriate antimicrobial use
- to ensure that antimicrobials remain effective for the future by limiting the emergence of antimicrobial resistance
Examples of AMS in pharmacy practice include:
- Checking that antibiotic prescriptions align with national guidelines
- Identifying antibiotic choice, dose, or duration that may not be appropriate and discussing this with the prescriber
- Advising patients who present with self-limiting or viral infections
- Determining/ verifying factors such as interactions, renal/ liver impairment or allergy that may influence the choice of antibiotic
- Discussing expectations, attitudes and benefits versus harms regarding antimicrobials with patients
- Promoting vaccination
Why is AMS important?
- Antimicrobial resistance poses one of the greatest risks to human health and caused an estimated 1.14 million deaths globally in 2021.
- Effective antibiotics are absolutely essential to the practice of modern medicine.
- Prudent use of antibiotics can help prevent or slow down resistant bacteria developing and help keep antibiotics effective for the use of future generations.
Learn more
To explore national antibiotic prescribing guidelines and AMS resources, visit: https://antibioticprescribing.ie