Spanish adaptation of the Start Smart-Then Focus tool for optimizing the use of antimicrobials.

Objective: The Start Smart-Then Focus tool of the United Kingdom's National Health System is a tool to be implemented in antimicrobial stewardship programs. The objective of this work is the adaptation of Start Smart-Then Focus tool to the Spanish health system.

Method: Delphi methodology was used.

The impact of implementing a pharmacy technician role as part of a nursing team in an acute admissions unit.

Background: The National Patient Safety Agency reported over 20 000 safety incidents over a 3-year period, including 68 severe harms and 27 deaths. Dose delays and omissions persistently contributed to more than 50% of the reported incidents.

Methods: A pilot was designed and data were collected before and after to measure how these ward-based technician roles affected the reporting of omitted or delayed doses, time efficiency, cost implications and the general productivity of the ward.

Audit of a multidisciplinary approach to improve management of community-acquired pneumonia.

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a frequent cause of morbidity, mortality and hospital admission worldwide. An adequate choice of empirical antibiotic treatment and appropriate severity assessment of the disease are key aspects in the management of CAP.

Objective: To audit the adherence to standards of care, such as empirical prescribing of antibiotics, and evaluate the current multidisciplinary approach to the management of CAP.