Patient information on nebulised antibiotics

The importance of providing patients with high quality information is highlighted in several government reports and forms part of the ‘Commissioning for Quality and Innovation’ (CQUIN) payment framework for healthcare providers in England (DH, 2008). Last year the British Thoracic Society (BTS) published guidelines recommending the provision of written information for patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) prescribed nebulised antibiotics (BTS, 2010). This type of treatment involves a complex regimen of medication and physiotherapy which patients undertake at home. The absence of written information specifically designed for patients with NCFB prescribed nebulised Colistimethate Sodium led to the development of an information leaflet which is designed to recognised standards. This involved evaluation of current literature and best practice, achieved by multidisciplinary collaboration. The leaflet meets the recommendations of the BTS and Department of Health in addition to the legal obligations of National Health Service (NHS) trusts of promoting equality and diversity. The leaflet is available as a printed document in a variety of formats and languages, in addition it can downloaded from the hospital website.