Assessing Pharmacy Students’ and Preceptors’ Understanding of and Exposure to Antimicrobial Stewardship Practices on Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences

Abstract

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is commonly employed, and may be required, in multiple healthcare settings, with pharmacists playing an integral role in developing and conducting AMS techniques. Despite its prevalence, AMS is minimally taught in pharmacy school curricula. In order to increase student and preceptor understanding and application of AMS techniques, the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy required introductory pharmacy practice students to complete three checklists and reflections of AMS techniques observed at three different practice settings: inpatient, ambulatory, and community (retail) pharmacy. Student and preceptor understanding and application of AMS techniques were then assessed via voluntary survey. Survey response rates were 43% for pharmacy students, while preceptor response rates were 27%. Student understanding and application of AMS techniques increased after completion of the AMS checklist, with the largest magnitude of change seen with antibiotic selection recommendations and guideline and policy development. Preceptor understanding was minimally impacted by the activity; however, an increase in understanding was seen for allergy assessments, antibiotic time-outs, and vaccine assessments and recommendations. AMS is an important component of pharmacy practice today. Implementation of a checklist and reflection activity within experiential education increases perceived student understanding and application of relevant AMS techniques.

Are We Making the Most of Community Pharmacies? Implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship Measures in Community Pharmacies: A Narrative Review

“…A recent study investigating behaviors related to antimicrobial stewardship for respiratory tract infections in primary care found that 5 of 32 were community pharmacy behaviors, mostly patient education [ 34 ]. A study by Revolinski et al showed varied antimicrobial stewardship practices in community pharmacies, with patient education and allergy assessment being among the most prevalent [ 35 ]. Even though pharmacists perceive the developed tools and guides as useful sources for patient education, they are poorly utilized among pharmacies due to poor dissemination [ 21 , 22 , 29 ].…”

“…Pharmacists that received additional training in infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship programs may assist in educating other members of the healthcare team and patients on elements of antimicrobial stewardship. Pharmacists can conduct antimicrobial regimen reviews and offer advice on doses and frequency optimization, as well as suggest discontinuation or change of treatment [ 35 , 44 ].…”

The Role of Adult Vaccines as Part of Antimicrobial Stewardship: A Scoping Review

“…The most discussed AMS strategy involving vaccines, recommended by both guidelines and other articles, was education on vaccines to support uptake [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 35 , 38 , 41 , 51 , 52 ]. An expert opinion by Nori et al highlighted AMS professionals as trusted sources of information as they have the expertise and skills to address vaccine hesitancy, especially for newer vaccines lacking long-term safety data [ 38 ].…”

A national survey of antimicrobial stewardship content in Canadian entry-to-practice pharmacy programs

“…For example, when an AMS checklist and reflection activity was incorporated into student placements in inpatient, ambulatory, and community pharmacy settings, students’ understanding of AMS techniques increased, and students reported being more likely to implement AMS techniques in their careers. 19 …”