Nurses can promote this switch by using decision tools and collaborating with antimicrobial stewardship teams

Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are widely used in secondary care to treat infections. But often oral antibiotics could be used instead – saving substantial time for nursing staff and helping in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). NHS England has incentivised improvements in clinical practice through a prompt IV to oral antibiotic switch (IVOS) led by antimicrobial stewardship teams as a target in the Commissioning for Quality and Innovation scheme. But more needs to be done – and engaging ward nurses in IVOS could deliver significant benefits to patient care and nursing workload.