Enhancing Antibiotic Stewardship Through Interprofessional Collaboration
Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
6-5-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
6-5-2025 4:00 PM
Description
Introduction: The World Health Organization defines antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as the development of resistance by microorganisms to antimicrobial medications after exposure; AMR is responsible for more than one hundred thousand deaths per year. Antimicrobial stewardship, a broader term that encompasses antibiotics, focuses on managing and supervising antimicrobials to ensure the most effective and beneficial treatment, ultimately reducing the incidence of AMR. The purpose of this study is to raise awareness of the importance of antibiotic stewardship through interprofessional collaboration among healthcare professional students.
Methods: During the 2024 United States Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW), activities were conducted throughout the week with the goal of spreading awareness. These activities included three speaker-led events featuring a diverse group of healthcare professionals, an “Antimicrobial Take Back” event, and an educational TV series on antibiotic awareness that was posted on the university TV announcements. At the end of each speaker-led event, students were given the opportunity to participate in a survey that gathered feedback on whether and how the event increased their awareness of antibiotics. Likert scale survey data was collected to provide a comprehensive and descriptive analysis, with a focus on enhancing antimicrobial stewardship through interprofessional collaboration.
Results: The attendance for event one was 40 students. The attendance for event two was 32 students. The attendance for event three was 32 students. The attendance for event four was 60 students.
Discussion: Most participants reported a significant improvement in their understanding of antimicrobial stewardship after attending the event, progressing from "no understanding" or "fairly good" to a higher level of awareness. This outcome suggests that the event's goal of enhancing understanding and raising awareness about antimicrobial stewardship was successfully achieved. As a result, students expressed confidence in their ability to consult antibiograms, discuss inappropriate antibiotic use with colleagues, and educate their communities about antimicrobial resistance.
Several students highlighted the importance of aligning prescriptions with specific infections and consulting pharmacists when uncertainty arises, emphasizing the practical value of the information provided.Looking ahead, students offered constructive feedback to help refine future events and ensure even greater impact. A common theme was the need for more clarity on certain topics (e.g., antibiotic data vocabulary) to better enable students to translate knowledge into practical applications. Additionally, some students suggested incorporating more interactive activities, which could further increase engagement. Overall, the event succeeded in delivering actionable insights and fostering interprofessional collaboration across multiple programs within the medical school.
Embargo Period
5-19-2025
Enhancing Antibiotic Stewardship Through Interprofessional Collaboration
Suwanee, GA
Introduction: The World Health Organization defines antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as the development of resistance by microorganisms to antimicrobial medications after exposure; AMR is responsible for more than one hundred thousand deaths per year. Antimicrobial stewardship, a broader term that encompasses antibiotics, focuses on managing and supervising antimicrobials to ensure the most effective and beneficial treatment, ultimately reducing the incidence of AMR. The purpose of this study is to raise awareness of the importance of antibiotic stewardship through interprofessional collaboration among healthcare professional students.
Methods: During the 2024 United States Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW), activities were conducted throughout the week with the goal of spreading awareness. These activities included three speaker-led events featuring a diverse group of healthcare professionals, an “Antimicrobial Take Back” event, and an educational TV series on antibiotic awareness that was posted on the university TV announcements. At the end of each speaker-led event, students were given the opportunity to participate in a survey that gathered feedback on whether and how the event increased their awareness of antibiotics. Likert scale survey data was collected to provide a comprehensive and descriptive analysis, with a focus on enhancing antimicrobial stewardship through interprofessional collaboration.
Results: The attendance for event one was 40 students. The attendance for event two was 32 students. The attendance for event three was 32 students. The attendance for event four was 60 students.
Discussion: Most participants reported a significant improvement in their understanding of antimicrobial stewardship after attending the event, progressing from "no understanding" or "fairly good" to a higher level of awareness. This outcome suggests that the event's goal of enhancing understanding and raising awareness about antimicrobial stewardship was successfully achieved. As a result, students expressed confidence in their ability to consult antibiograms, discuss inappropriate antibiotic use with colleagues, and educate their communities about antimicrobial resistance.
Several students highlighted the importance of aligning prescriptions with specific infections and consulting pharmacists when uncertainty arises, emphasizing the practical value of the information provided.Looking ahead, students offered constructive feedback to help refine future events and ensure even greater impact. A common theme was the need for more clarity on certain topics (e.g., antibiotic data vocabulary) to better enable students to translate knowledge into practical applications. Additionally, some students suggested incorporating more interactive activities, which could further increase engagement. Overall, the event succeeded in delivering actionable insights and fostering interprofessional collaboration across multiple programs within the medical school.