Will Training Enhance Antimicrobial Stewardship Implementation in Community Pharmacy? Bridging Gap Through a CPD Program
Author(s)
T M Pramod Kumar, Mpharm, PhD.
Principal & Professor, JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysuru, Mysuru, India.
Principal & Professor, JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysuru, Mysuru, India.
OBJECTIVES: Assess the impact of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training programmes on community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). Identify existing gaps, understand the barriers affecting pharmacists’ engagement in AMS, and evaluate how targeted training could enhance their role in promoting responsible antibiotic use.
METHODS: A pre-post interventional study was conducted among 80 licensed community pharmacists using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire covering demographics, antibiotic dispensing patterns, and KAP related to AMS before and after the intervention. The CPD training included interactive sessions on AMS principles, responsible dispensing, patient counselling, and regulatory compliance, delivered through lectures, case-based discussions, and gamified activities. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses on implementation barriers were thematically analyzed.
RESULTS: Among the 80 participants, 73% were male and 27% female, with a mean age of 30.86 ± 8.70 years. Most (82.5%) were employed, averaging 6.74 ± 6.08 years of experience. A majority (83%) held a Diploma in Pharmacy. On average, pharmacists handled 16.88 ± 8.69 antibiotic prescriptions per day. Non-prescription antibiotic dispensing was highest in the WHO “Watch” category (51.93%), followed by the “Access” category (33.64%).Baseline AMS knowledge was low, with 53.75% strongly disagreeing with key AMS principles. Post-intervention, 75% strongly agreed with AMS statements, and 63.75% showed improved attitudes. However, 43.7% still dispensed antibiotics without prescriptions, and 51.7% did not check patient history. KAP scores improved significantly post-training: knowledge (22.3to31.6), attitude (6.7to12.2), and practice (17to21.4) (p =0.048).Qualitative data showed 54.5% implemented AMS through patient education and rational dispensing. Barriers included patient resistance (27.3%) and regulatory or competitive pressures (18.2%).
CONCLUSIONS: CPD training program has significantly improved Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of pharmacists. There is a strong need to implement educational and regulatory interventions periodically to improve the understanding of AMS practices among community pharmacists.
METHODS: A pre-post interventional study was conducted among 80 licensed community pharmacists using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire covering demographics, antibiotic dispensing patterns, and KAP related to AMS before and after the intervention. The CPD training included interactive sessions on AMS principles, responsible dispensing, patient counselling, and regulatory compliance, delivered through lectures, case-based discussions, and gamified activities. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses on implementation barriers were thematically analyzed.
RESULTS: Among the 80 participants, 73% were male and 27% female, with a mean age of 30.86 ± 8.70 years. Most (82.5%) were employed, averaging 6.74 ± 6.08 years of experience. A majority (83%) held a Diploma in Pharmacy. On average, pharmacists handled 16.88 ± 8.69 antibiotic prescriptions per day. Non-prescription antibiotic dispensing was highest in the WHO “Watch” category (51.93%), followed by the “Access” category (33.64%).Baseline AMS knowledge was low, with 53.75% strongly disagreeing with key AMS principles. Post-intervention, 75% strongly agreed with AMS statements, and 63.75% showed improved attitudes. However, 43.7% still dispensed antibiotics without prescriptions, and 51.7% did not check patient history. KAP scores improved significantly post-training: knowledge (22.3to31.6), attitude (6.7to12.2), and practice (17to21.4) (p =0.048).Qualitative data showed 54.5% implemented AMS through patient education and rational dispensing. Barriers included patient resistance (27.3%) and regulatory or competitive pressures (18.2%).
CONCLUSIONS: CPD training program has significantly improved Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of pharmacists. There is a strong need to implement educational and regulatory interventions periodically to improve the understanding of AMS practices among community pharmacists.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-09, ISPOR Real-World Evidence Summit 2025, Tokyo, Japan
Value in Health Regional, Volume 49S (September 2025)
Code
RWD53
Topic Subcategory
Distributed Data & Research Networks
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas