Antimicrobial Stewardship: Tackling AMR at Health Institution Level

Antimicrobials are medications used for the prevention and treatment of infections. Antibiotic resistance arises when microorganisms adapt in response to the usage of antibiotics. It is microbes, not people or animals, that develop antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is promoted by the abuse of antimicrobials, especially when they are not the appropriate therapy.

Antimicrobial stewardship is a successful technique used to assess and improve how doctors prescribe and patients utilize antimicrobials, resulting in the better therapeutic outcome with minimal side effects to patients and low impact on eventual resistance.

This course supports the learners in understanding basic principles of appropriate antibiotic use and strategies of combating AMR, especially focusing on managing Antimicrobial Stewardship program and its activities in healthcare facilities that promote rational use of drugs.

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Describe antimicrobials and how to utilize them effectively and safely in real-world contexts  
• Describe Antimicrobial Resistance and various mechanisms to support AMR containment
• Define the role that antimicrobial stewardship plays in reducing the risk of AMR
• Outline the process for developing, implementing, and monitoring AMS initiatives
• Demonstrate ability to develop a plan for integrating evidence-based AMS techniques into facilities
• Understand how to conduct an AMS programme assessment.