Using TARGET

The TARGET toolkit is an invaluable resource for supporting AMS in primary care, including in community pharmacy (pdf available here).

Designed to equip healthcare professionals with practical tools and evidence-based resources, it empowers community pharmacy teams to promote responsible antibiotic use, improve patient education, and deliver consistent AMS messaging.

One of the key resources within the TARGET toolkit are the Treating Your Infection patient leaflets, which addresses common misconceptions about antibiotics while managing patient expectations for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and respiratory tract infections (RTIs). The leaflets outline the typical length of the conditions and provide clear guidance on when antibiotics are unnecessary.

Alongside this, the leaflets offer self care strategies, such as staying hydrated, resting, and using over-the-counter remedies to alleviate symptoms. Sharing these resources during consultations can reduce unnecessary antibiotic requests, empower patients to manage their health responsibly, and promote better understanding of when antibiotics are truly needed.

The toolkit’s Antibiotic Prescription Screening and Counselling sheet is another pivotal resource. It helps to ensure patients who are prescribed antibiotics understand their proper use, potential side-effects, and the importance of completing their course. This tool supports community pharmacy teams in delivering consistent and evidence-based AMS advice, enhancing the quality of care and ensuring a uniform approach to antibiotic stewardship.

By embedding the TARGET toolkit into their AMS practices, community pharmacy teams can play a crucial role in tackling antimicrobial resistance, safeguarding antibiotics for future generations, and contributing to improved patient outcomes across the primary care pathway.

For more information on how community pharmacy teams can keep antibiotics working, visit Health Education England’s AMR Hub and complete the e-module on Antimicrobial Stewardship for Community Pharmacy: portal.e-lfh.org.uk/component/details/602874.