About antimicrobial stewardship
Our goal is to reduce antimicrobial resistance and improve antimicrobial treatment for paediatric patients across Queensland.
We have resources on the types of antimicrobial treatment and what to consider when prescribing antimicrobials. Our resources align with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care national standards.
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Infection management clinical guidelines
Guidance on how to treat, manage and escalate care for paediatric patients with different infections.
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Antimicrobial formulary and restrictions
List of approved antimicrobial medicines and restrictions for use.
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Antimicrobial dosing recommendations
Dosage guidance for antimicrobial medicine use in paediatric patients.
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Intravenous (IV) to oral switch
Information on when and how to switch a paediatric patient from intravenous (IV) to oral antimicrobial treatment.
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Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)
Clinical guidance on monitoring antimicrobial medicine levels in your paediatric patient and adjusting dosages to optimise treatment and minimise toxicity.
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Home intravenous antimicrobials
Guidance on prescribing and administering antimicrobials to patients cared for by our Hospital in the Home (HITH) service.
Tools for Queensland Health staff
Become an antibiotic champion
Join the fight against antimicrobial resistance by becoming an antibiotic champion and help reduce the spread of superbugs in our hospitals and community.
Email antibiotics_QCH@health.qld.gov.au to submit your interest.
Notices
We publish notices and statements on the use of antimicrobials in paediatric patients on timely issues.
Read our recent statements below.
- ATAGI Influenza vaccination advice 2024
- Influenza vaccination Memo 2024 (QCH)
[PDF 188.49 KB] - Communique: Clinical Care Alert: Benzathine Benzylpenicillin (Bicillin LA®️) Shortage – 20 October 2023
[PDF 301.64 KB] - QLD RSV Program – Nirsevimab vaccination
- Azithromycin and Clarithromycin suspension shortage Medication communique
[PDF 305.83 KB]
Contact us
Antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist
- Phone: 0436 815 492
- Email: antibiotics_CHQ@health.qld.gov.au
Infectious diseases fellows and registrar
- Phone: 07 3068 1111
- Email: CHQ_IMPS@health.qld.gov.au
Paediatric infection specialist
- Phone: 07 3068 1111
Disclaimer
The CHQ antimicrobial stewardship information, resources and guidelines is general in nature and is intended for information purposes only. The information has been prepared using a multidisciplinary approach with reference to the best information and evidence available at the time of preparation. No assurance is given that the information is entirely complete, current or accurate in every respect.
The guidelines, recommendations and information are not a substitute for clinical judgement, knowledge and expertise, or medical advice. Variation from the guidelines, recommendations and information, taking into account individual circumstances, may be appropriate.
The guidelines, recommendations and information do not address all elements of standard practice and recognise that individual clinicians are responsible for the following:
- Providing care within the context of locally available resources, expertise, and scope of practice.
- Supporting consumer rights and informed decision making in partnership with healthcare practitioners including the right to decline intervention or ongoing management.
- Advising consumers of their choices in an environment that is culturally appropriate and which enables comfortable and confidential discussion. This includes the use of interpreter services where necessary.
- Ensuring informed consent is obtained prior to delivering care.
- Meeting all legislative requirements and professional standards.
- Applying standard precautions, and additional precautions as necessary, when delivering care.
- Documenting all care in accordance with mandatory and local requirements.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any injury, expenses, loss, damage or costs incurred by you or another party for any reason associated with the use of or reliance on the information contained in the antimicrobial stewardship information, including the guidelines, recommendations and other information and the materials within or referred to throughout the website or any guideline, recommendation or information being in any way inaccurate, out of context, out of date, incomplete or unavailable.
Last updated: June 2024