The Hague • 20 November 2023
Ongoing curriculum improvements, interdisciplinary collaboration and practical experience are needed in order to equip the pharmaceutical workforce with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to mitigate the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and to improve antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), according to findings published by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) today.
FIP’s “Antimicrobial resistance and stewardship education: Supporting the pharmaceutical workforce in AMR and AMS” report presents a survey of educators, practitioners and students from 81 countries, exploring the educational components of AMR for the pharmacy workforce based on the World Health Organization “Health workers’ education and training on AMR: Curriculum guide”. Curricula need to evolve consistently to encompass critical subjects such as pharmacogenomics, adverse event investigation, prescription scrutiny and record-keeping, according to the survey. Contamination risks and monitoring should also be emphasised, as well as diagnostic data analysis, transmission prevention and substandard medicines reporting.
In addition, the report includes 12 case studies providing insights into the diverse approaches taken to address AMR through education in Costa Rica, Croatia, Lebanon, Tanzania, Ireland, Norway, Nigeria, the UAE and the European Union.
In conclusion, the authors of the report suggest pathways to address the challenges posed by AMR and to continue developing the pharmaceutical workforce towards this goal, such as through strengthening surveillance by enhancing skills in collecting and analysing antimicrobial consumption data. “It is vital that the pharmaceutical workforce is equipped with relevant and up-to-date knowledge, skills and attitudes required to tackle AMR. The time to act is now, and by equipping the pharmaceutical workforce, we can collectively forge a more resilient future against the threat of AMR,” said Prof. Cátia Caneiras, co-chair of the FIP commission on AMR. “This transformation will empower the pharmaceutical workforce to become proactive advocates and agents of change in combating AMR.”
Notes for editors
This week is World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (18-24 November).
ABOUT FIP
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global federation of national associations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, and is in official relations with the World Health Organization. Through our 156 member organisations, we represent over four million practitioners and scientists around the world. Our vision is a world where everyone benefits from access to safe, effective, quality and affordable medicines and pharmaceutical care. www.fip.org
PRESS CONTACT
Ms Marina Llibre Martín
Communications coordinator
International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
Email marina@fip.org
Tel +31 70 302 1977