Rational use of Antibiotics Short course

All health care professionals registered with the HPCSA who in terms of their scope of work are allowed to prescribe antibiotics.

This is an eLearning course that consists of interactive activities and assessments.

Module1: Introduction to antibiotics
Module2: General principles of drug therapy
Module 3: Classification of antibiotics according to their mechanism of action
Module 4: Principles of antimicrobial therapy
Module 5: Mechanism of antimicrobial resistance
Module 6: Adverse reactions of antibiotics
Module 7: Prophylactic use of antibiotics

Participants are required to complete this course within 3 months from date of registration, it should not take more than 12 hours.

• Describe the inflammatory response of the body to infection and the mechanism of action of antibiotics to assist the body in fighting off antimicrobial invasions.
• Discuss the pharmacological concepts involved in the use of antibiotics, especially bioavailability, pharmaco-kinetic and pharmacodynamic concepts.
• Discuss the mechanisms of action of different classes of antibiotics and classify antibiotics in the listed classes.
• Demonstrate an understanding in the selection of specific antibiotics taking host and other factors into consideration, select the appropriate microbiological specimen and laboratory test for optimal results.
• Explain antibiotic resistance and how to prevent it.
• Define and describe adverse drug reactions and its management.
• Describe the appropriate use of antibiotics for prophylaxis.

Participants will need to complete a multiple-choice questionnaire at the end of each module. A cumulative pass mark is required to qualify for CPD accreditation.

Accredited according to the HPCSA Medical and Dental Board Guidelines for 13 CEU’s on Level 2.

FPD will aware participants with a Certificate of Completion, should they successfully complete the course with an overall 70% pass mark.