Educational Provision in antimicrobial stewardship for Healthcare Professionals in NHS Wales

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) initiatives are specialized programs designed to lower the incidence and development of antimicrobial resistance. Educational provisions impose direct and successful impact over the implementation of antibiotic resistance stewardship practices. The current study aims to take into account, or capture the amount and nature of education and training taking place in NHS Wales. Through AWARE interprofessional community members in Wales. The specific study objectives include assessment of the participation ratio of different types of healthcare professionals of NHS Wales, mode and duration of learning, and examination of challenges faced by NHS Wales healthcare personnel in AMS program across the health boards. Methods: Reliable datasets from five different Health Boards in Wales namely, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board's (BCUHB), Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB), Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB), Swansea Bay University Health Board (SBUHB), and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) were included. A survey was executed via Microsoft Forms, followed by statistical analysis utilising SPSS software, with data displayed as counts and frequencies. Results: Studies showed 2735 members received education and training. Mixed audiences of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied healthcare practitioners were most numerous, followed by doctors and students (medical and pharmacy). Fewer nurses and pharmacists participated. Face-to-face sessions had the most participants, followed by virtual and hybrid sessions. Hybrid sessions lasted 60 minutes across all health boards, virtual sessions 20–120 minutes, and face-to-face sessions 20–300 minutes. The study documented participants' AMS program problems.. Conclusions: Antimicrobial stewardship education interventions have great impact in addressing the challenging issue of antimicrobial resistance, however for effective outcomes it is imperative to motivate participation of multi-functional healthcare professionals including nurses and pharmacists.