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Implementing a community-based antimicrobial stewardship intervention in Malaysia

Ali Haider Mohammed Orcid Logo, Angelina Lim, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Ali Blebil Orcid Logo, Juman Al-Dujaili Orcid Logo, Dinesh Sangarran Ramachandram, Hawar Sardar Hassan, Arooj Abid Orcid Logo

Journal of Infection Prevention

Swansea University Authors: Ali Blebil Orcid Logo, Juman Al-Dujaili Orcid Logo

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DOI (Published version): 10.1177/17571774241251650

Abstract

BackgroundIn Malaysia, the unregulated use of antibiotics and lack of awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among pharmacists pose significant challenges. Implementing community-based Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) initiatives is crucial to address the rising AMR.MethodsWe developed a besp...

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Published in: Journal of Infection Prevention
ISSN: 1757-1774 1757-1782
Published: SAGE Publications 2024
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URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66841
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Abstract: BackgroundIn Malaysia, the unregulated use of antibiotics and lack of awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among pharmacists pose significant challenges. Implementing community-based Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) initiatives is crucial to address the rising AMR.MethodsWe developed a bespoke AMS intervention, aligned with the World Health Organization’s AMS modules, as a 2-day online educational seminar for community pharmacists. The effectiveness of the workshop was evaluated using pre- and post-seminar questionnaires, focusing on AMS knowledge and attitudes towards antimicrobial usage.ResultsAmong 528 participants, 489 completed both questionnaires. Pre-seminar, only 59% correctly understood the concept of antibiotic resistance reversibility, which improved to 85.9% post-seminar (p = .002). The average AMS knowledge score increased from 5/10 to 8/10 post-intervention (p < .05). A significant improvement was also noted in pharmacists’ ability to select appropriate antibiotic therapies, particularly for urinary tract infections, with an increase from 78% to 90% correct responses.ConclusionThe AMS seminar was well-received and significantly improved the AMS knowledge of community pharmacists. The results underline the need for more AMS-focused interventions in this demographic in Malaysia, contributing to the development of formalized AMS programs. Such initiatives are expected to enhance antibiotic use awareness, encourage optimal antibiotic practices, and positively shift professional conduct in community settings.
Keywords: Antimicrobial stewardship, community pharmacy practice, antimicrobial resistance education and training, antibiotic resistance prevention, Malaysia healthcare system
College: Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Funders: The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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