Patient Information Sheets

Patient information sheets support the conversation between general practitioners (GPs) and patients about common self-limited acute infections and their management.1-4 These resources complement clinical consultations by reinforcing key messages and improving patient understanding of a/their condition. They encourage active participation by patients in health decisions, and help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.5  

 

To promote antimicrobial stewardship in primary care, the following [patient information sheets] provide evidence-based information on the symptoms, nature and expected course of an infection/illness, self-management strategies, treatment options, red-flag symptoms requiring further medical review, and advice on when reassessment is needed. 2,6

Downloadable Patient Information Sheets

Practical in‑consult tools to guide discussions on treatment options, risks and expected recovery, supporting informed antibiotic decisions.

Bronchitis

Cellulitis

Cystitis

Middle Ear Infection

Rhinosinusitis

Tonsillitis

References:

  1. Biezen R, Ciavarella S, Manski-Nankervis JA, Monaghan T, Buising K. Addressing Antimicrobial Stewardship in Primary Care-Developing Patient Information Sheets Using Co-Design Methodology. Antibiotics (Basel). 2023 Feb 24;12(3):458. 
  2. Eley CV, Lecky DM, Hayes CV, McNulty CA. Is sharing the TARGET respiratory tract infection leaflet feasible in routine general practice to improve patient education and appropriate antibiotic use? A mixed methods study in England with patients and healthcare professionals. J Infect Prev. 2020 May;21(3):97-107. 
  3. Shah M, Barbosa TM, Ryan P, Walkin S, Fleming A. A feasibility study of the use of a patient leaflet for respiratory tract infection consultations in general practice in Ireland. Antimicrob Steward Healthc Epidemiol. 2025 Dec 22;6(1):e5.  
  4. O’Sullivan JW, Harvey RT, Glasziou PP, McCullough A. Written information for patients (or parents of child patients) to reduce the use of antibiotics for acute upper respiratory tract infections in primary care. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Nov 25;11(11):CD011360. 
  5. Australian Government Department of Health. Shared decision support in general practice: An antimicrobial stewardship strategy to promote appropriate use of antibiotics in primary care. Canberra (ACT): Australian Government Department of Health; 2021. Available from: https://www.amr.gov.au/resources/shared-decision-support-general-practice-antimicrobial-stewardship-strategy-promote-appropriate-use-antibiotics-primary-care 
  6. de Bont EG, Alink M, Falkenberg FC, Dinant GJ, Cals JW. Patient information leaflets to reduce antibiotic use and reconsultation rates in general practice: a systematic review. BMJ Open. 2015 Jun 3;5(6):e007612.