Communication toolkit for professionals in hospitals and other healthcare settings

communication toolkit

The objective of this toolkit is to support efforts to increase prudent use of antibiotics in hospitals and other healthcare settings through dissemination of evidence-based educational and information materials. Moreover, the materials aim at creating a sense of individual responsibility in tackling antibiotic resistance and at empowering professionals to take action.

The toolkit includes: key messages, checklist for prescribers, factsheets, infographic about antibiotic stewardship, leaflets, letters, posters, presentation, social media cards.

The primary target audience for this toolkit is professionals in hospitals and other healthcare settings, such as long-term care facilities, who have different roles and influence in the use of antibiotics in such settings.
- Managers/administrators,
- Infectious disease specialists,
- Infection prevention and control professionals,
- Epidemiologists,
- Prescribers,
- Junior doctors and students,
- Pharmacists,
- Nurses,
- Clinical microbiologists, and
- Professionals in emergency departments, in intensive care units, and in long-term care facilities.

The key messages for this toolkit derived from a thorough review of the scientific literature by ECDC experts and were developed following an extensive consultation and editing process. Some of the messages are indicated to be “expert consensus”, instead of being linked to a reference taken from the scientific literature. This refers to the agreement reached by ECDC experts, EAAD Technical Advisory Committee members, and other external experts and stakeholders.  

The issues surrounding antibiotic resistance in hospitals and other healthcare settings may differ from country to country. It is important to stress that the template materials provide a core of information and common messages but will be most effective if adapted to respond to the needs and situations in each country, or even in each healthcare setting. The key messages need to be carefully adapted as well, since professionals across Europe might have different roles than those described in the document. In addition, healthcare systems can differ from country to country. 

Professionals are encouraged to mix and match the key messages and the template materials, to address their own specific needs. 

Instructions for use of these materials

For further detailed information and ideas how to use these materials and organise a campaign on self-medication with antibiotics, please see the Guidance note.

Terms of use

Permission to use the European Antibiotic Awareness Day campaign communication materials is granted to all non-profit organizations and healthcare associations as well as all European healthcare authorities and governmental bodies conducting campaigns aimed at reducing antibiotic resistance and promoting the appropriate use of antibiotics.

Any other entities must obtain the consent of the ECDC before using the European Antibiotic Awareness Day campaign communication materials. To obtain permission for use of these materials, please contact: EAAD@ecdc.europa.eu

ECDC would like to hear from you!

ECDC would be interested to know how and where the campaign communication materials are used, particularly if you think that your initiatives could be listed on the ‘National activities’ page of this website. For any questions you may have on the materials, please contact: EAAD@ecdc.europa.eu

Key messages for professionals in hospitals and other healthcare settings

Toolkit material

Factsheet for professionals in hospitals and other healthcare settings

factsheet, information material, toolkit material - 4 Oct 2017

Factsheet provides the latest available scientific evidence about antibiotic resistance that is relevant to hospitals: e.g. antibiotic resistance is increasing overall, bacteria that are resistant to multiple group of antibiotics is of particular concern, and antibiotic stewardship programmes are effective.

Leaflet for infectious disease specialists

brochure, information material, toolkit material - 4 Oct 2017

A leaflet for infectious disease specialists presents key facts about antibiotic resistance, as well as actions that each professional group can take to tackle the issue.

Leaflet for hospital prescribers

brochure, information material, toolkit material - 4 Oct 2017

A leaflet for hospital prescribers presents key facts about antibiotic resistance, as well as actions that each professional group can take to tackle the issue.

Leaflet for nurses

brochure, information material, toolkit material - 4 Oct 2017

A leaflets for nurses presents four key facts about antibiotic resistance, as well as actions that each professional group can take to tackle the issue.

Toolkit material

Factsheet for professionals in hospitals and other healthcare settings

factsheet, information material, toolkit material - 4 Oct 2017

Factsheet provides the latest available scientific evidence about antibiotic resistance that is relevant to hospitals: e.g. antibiotic resistance is increasing overall, bacteria that are resistant to multiple group of antibiotics is of particular concern, and antibiotic stewardship programmes are effective.

Leaflet for infectious disease specialists

brochure, information material, toolkit material - 4 Oct 2017

A leaflet for infectious disease specialists presents key facts about antibiotic resistance, as well as actions that each professional group can take to tackle the issue.

Leaflet for hospital prescribers

brochure, information material, toolkit material - 4 Oct 2017

A leaflet for hospital prescribers presents key facts about antibiotic resistance, as well as actions that each professional group can take to tackle the issue.

Leaflet for nurses

brochure, information material, toolkit material - 4 Oct 2017

A leaflets for nurses presents four key facts about antibiotic resistance, as well as actions that each professional group can take to tackle the issue.