The Need for Interprofessional Training in Antimicrobial Resistance!

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health issue; bacterial AMR was estimated to be directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019. Interprofessional collaboration between human, animal, plant, and environmental health is needed to best address AMR and its stewardship.Goals, objectives, and purpose: This innovative project introduced an IPE extra-curricular activity. Learning objectives focused on interprofessional collaboration to address AMR stewardship.Methods/Methodology: In partnership with the National Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Education (NIAMRRE) organization, an organizational member university offered this activity as a series of six 90-minute sessions for interested learners. Content highlighted the significance of AMR and the need for interprofessional collaboration; four case studies were used for interprofessional learning. An interprofessional team composed of a biologist, infectious disease physician, pharmacists, and veterinarians led each session, case discussions, and highlighted their own research and clinical work. Eight students participated from microbiology graduate studies, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. Students received a certificate of completion to recognize their efforts.

A brief survey was distributed at the activity series conclusion to capture students’ views on their knowledge improvement about AMR and other professions. Participants were asked about key learning points gained from their participation.Results/Findings: Four of eight students (50%) consented for use of their responses. Respondents strongly agreed their knowledge of AMR and other professions improved. Themes indicated respondents gained greater knowledge/awareness about One Health and the need for interprofessional collaboration to address AMR and stewardship.Conclusions, implications, and/or curiosities: Given the need for more education about AMR in all professions, this activity focused on the importance of interprofessional collaboration as the key component to promoting AMR stewardship. Learners and faculty enjoyed learning about, from, and with each other. Given curricular time demands, an extra-curricular activity provided a suitable venue to introduce this important topic in an effective interprofessional education format.