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Chetty D, Leigh-de Rapper S. Exploring the discord between pharmacy education and practice in antimicrobial stewardship. Health SA 2023; 28:2114. [PMID: 36873778 PMCID: PMC9982462 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v28i0.2114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is a critical global intervention aimed at optimising antimicrobial use and decreasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with pharmacists playing a pivotal role within AMS teams. However, AMS is not comprehensively taught in pharmacy curricula and little is known about the relevance of pharmacists' training to meet AMS needs in South Africa. Aim This study aimed to explore the attitudes, knowledge and perceptions of clinical pharmacists towards AMS participation and training in South Africa. Setting This study was conducted among clinically practicing pharmacists in public and private healthcare sectors in South Africa. Methods A quantitative exploratory research design was selected for this study. The study was conducted using a self-administered structured survey. Categorical variables were analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied to determine differences between variables. Results Pharmacists demonstrated good attitudes knowledge and perceptions towards AMS (median 4.3). There was statistical significant differences in AMS participation between pharmacists of different years of experience (p = 0.005), sector of employment (p = 0.01), position of employment (p = 0.015) and presence of AMS programmes (p = 0.004). Pharmacists indicated that their Bachelor of Pharmacy undergraduate studies inadequately prepared them for their role in AMS (median 4.3). Conclusion Pharmacists show positive attitudes, knowledge and perceptions towards AMS. Education and training in AMS principles is obtained through master's programmes, short courses, Continued Professional Development (CPDs) and workshops and insufficiently incorporated in undergraduate programmes. Contribution This study confirms that undergraduate pharmacy programmes inadequately prepare pharmacists for their role in AMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devina Chetty
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stephanie Leigh-de Rapper
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Chang FY, Chuang YC, Veeraraghavan B, Apisarnthanarak A, Tayzon MF, Kwa AL, Chiu CH, Deris ZZ, Amir Husin S, Hashim H, Karuniawati A, Ahmed A, Matsumoto T, Nguyen VK, Dinh TTH. Gaps in antimicrobial stewardship programmes in Asia: a survey of 10 countries. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2022; 4:dlac117. [PMID: 36439993 PMCID: PMC9683392 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlac117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programme practices in Asian secondary- and tertiary-care hospitals. METHODS AMS programme team members within 349 hospitals from 10 countries (Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam) completed a questionnaire via a web-based survey link. The survey contained questions as to whether 12 core components deemed essential for AMS programmes were implemented. RESULTS Overall, 47 (13.5%) hospitals fulfilled all core AMS programme components. There was a mean positive response rate (PRR) of 85.6% for the responding countries in relation to a formal hospital leadership statement of support for AMS activities, but this was not matched by budgeted financial support for AMS activities (mean PRR 57.1%). Mean PRRs were ≥80.0% for the core AMS team comprising a physician or other leader responsible for AMS activities, a pharmacist and infection control and microbiology personnel. Most hospitals had access to a timely and reliable microbiology service (mean PRR 90.4%). Facility-specific antibiotic treatment guidelines for common infections (mean PRR 78.7%) were in place more often than pre-authorization and/or prospective audit and feedback systems (mean PRR 66.5%). In terms of AMS monitoring and reporting, PRRs of monitoring specific antibiotic use, regularly publishing AMS outcome measures, and the existence of a hospital antibiogram were 75.1%, 64.4% and 77.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Most hospitals participating in this survey did not have AMS programmes fulfilling the requirements for gold standard AMS programmes in hospital settings. Urgent action is required to address AMS funding and resourcing deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Yee Chang
- Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yin Ching Chuang
- Medical Research Department, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Balaji Veeraraghavan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
| | | | - Maria Fe Tayzon
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Infection Control and Epidemiology Center, The Medical City, Pasig City, Philippines
| | - Andrea L Kwa
- Department of Pharmacy, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng-Hsun Chiu
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Zakuan Zainy Deris
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences/Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Suraya Amir Husin
- Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Hazimah Hashim
- Pharmacy Practice and Development Division, Ministry of Health, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Anis Karuniawati
- Department of Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Altaf Ahmed
- Department of Pathology/Microbiology, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tetsuya Matsumoto
- Department of Infectious Diseases, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba-ken, Japan
| | - Van Kinh Nguyen
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Thu Huong Dinh
- Emergency Department - Infection Control, National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Kho BP, Wong SMA, Chiu JWT, Liew E. Preference and usage pattern of mobile medical apps for drug information purposes among hospital pharmacists in Sarawak, Malaysia. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2022; 22:199. [PMID: 35906649 PMCID: PMC9338490 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-022-01949-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pharmacists are frequent users of mobile medical apps (MMA) for drug information (DI) and clinical decision-making purposes. However, the wide range of available MMA may be of variable credibility and results in heterogeneous recommendations. The need for subscription may also influence choice of apps. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the usage pattern of MMA among hospital pharmacists, including their perceptions and factors affecting their choice of apps. Methods This cross-sectional study required respondents to fill in an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included sections on respondents' demographic data, MMA usage pattern, perceived usefulness and opinion on subscription fees. Items were adapted from available literature and validated locally. It was made accessible for 6 weeks starting November 2019 for all pharmacists working in the 23 public hospitals in Sarawak to response (universal sampling). Collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results A response rate of 37.2% was achieved (n = 162). Respondents were heavily reliant on MMA, with 78.4% accessing them multiple times daily. The majority also agreed that MMA contain correct and up-to-date information. A median of 5 apps were downloaded, suggesting an ultimate app catering for all DI needs was lacking. The Malaysian Drug Formulary was the most downloaded app (88.3%), whereas Lexicomp® was the most “well-rounded” in terms of functionality. Clinical pharmacists were significantly more likely to purchase MMA, in particular UpToDate® (p < 0.01) due to their need to access clinical updates. Respondents highly recommended institutional access for either UpToDate® or Lexicomp® be made available. Pre-registration pharmacists should be guided on judicious MMA usage, as they downloaded significantly more apps and were more likely to indicate not knowing which DI recommendation to follow (both p < 0.01). Conclusion MMA has become an indispensable tool for hospital pharmacists, however there was a tendency to download multiple apps for DI needs. Institutional access can be considered for credible apps identified to ensure accuracy and uniformity of DI recommendations, with purchase decision made after surveying the needs and preferences of end users. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12911-022-01949-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boon Phiaw Kho
- Department of Pharmacy, Sarawak General Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia, 93586 Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce Road, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
| | - Sheng Ming Andy Wong
- Department of Pharmacy, Sarawak General Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia, 93586 Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce Road, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Jin Wei Timothy Chiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Sarawak General Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia, 93586 Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce Road, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Eon Liew
- Department of Pharmacy, Sarawak General Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia, 93586 Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce Road, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
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Khasawneh RA, Ababneh MA, Al-Azzam SI. Antimicrobial stewardship programs: perceptions and practices among Jordanian healthcare practitioners. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jphsr/rmaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
Antimicrobial stewardship programs are of paramount importance in containing antibiotic resistance and combat the acquisition of multi-drug resistance strains. Healthcare practitioners, specifically physicians and clinical pharmacists are the direct clinical antibiotic prescribing authorities. Therefore, this study aimed to assess Jordanian practitioners' perceptions and practices towards antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study, in which physicians and clinical pharmacists were approached to fill out a previously validated study instrument. A close-ended structured questionnaire comprising 34 questions covering aspects related to antimicrobial stewardship program perceptions, practices and participants' demographic data were used to collect pertinent information.
Key findings
A total of 286 participants were enrolled in the study. There was an overall positive perception towards antimicrobial stewardship programs, while practices related to this element was still suboptimal. Additional comparison of the overall perception scores among different demographic characteristics showed that long years of practice, postgraduate studies and practice in academic sectors yielded higher perception scores (P = 0.0335, 0.0328 and 0.0007, respectively).
Conclusion
There is an imminent need to enhance Jordanian practitioners' knowledge about antimicrobial stewardship programs. Clear recognition of integral antimicrobial stewardship programs' components must be coupled with highlight changes in current practices related to antimicrobials usage and prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawand A Khasawneh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mera A Ababneh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Sayer I Al-Azzam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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