imf 26 now includes antimicrobial prescribing guidelines for eight antibiotics with co-amoxiclav the most recent addition. evidence-based antimicrobial guidelines are a key tool in efforts to improve antibiotic prescribing, reduce the progression of antibiotic resistance and optimise patient outcomes. the community antimicrobial stewardship subcommittee of the sari national committee developed these guidelines from 2009-2011. since 2011, they have been overseen by the rcsi/hse clinical advisory group on healthcare-associated infection and antimicrobial resistance (hcai/amr), chaired by dr nuala o’connor, icgp lead.