Benchtop to Bedside Use of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Data: CRO Workshop
Last month, India Bowman, HSP’s Senior Program Specialist had the privilege of attending the "Benchtop to Bedside Use of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Data: CRO Workshop" in Bangkok, Thailand. This event brought together hospital teams from Cambodia, Brunei, Thailand, and Vietnam, all united in the shared goal of addressing and mitigating the impact of Carbapenem-Resistant Organisms (CROs) within their facilities and across their respective countries.
As a former infection preventionist with hospital experience, she was able to quickly connect with the workshop material, which spanned various disciplines, including clinical care, laboratory processes, and public health strategies. The interdisciplinary approach underscored the complexity of tackling AMR from multiple angles, and it was rewarding to see how data-driven interventions can inform both local and global health practices.
Several key challenges emerged during the workshop that resonated deeply with India, particularly as recurring themes in global healthcare interventions: 1. Human Behavioral ChangeOne of the most significant obstacles in tackling AMR is shifting human behavior—whether it's healthcare workers adopting new protocols or patients adhering to treatment guidelines. Overcoming ingrained habits and resistance to change is crucial, yet it remains one of the most difficult aspects of healthcare interventions, as demonstrated in several workshop discussions.
2. Difficulties in Multidisciplinary Stakeholder Buy-inGaining consensus and support across a variety of stakeholders—doctors, nurses, administrators, and policymakers—can be a major hurdle. Participants shared stories of slow or reluctant buy-in from hospital leadership and staff when it came to implementing new policies or procedures. This challenge is often exacerbated by the need for alignment between clinical, administrative, and governmental entities, which can stall progress.
3. Human Resource LimitationsEven when solutions are identified, the reality of limited human resources—whether in terms of staff, training, or expertise—often hampers implementation. Many hospitals and healthcare systems struggle with insufficient personnel, inadequate training, or the lack of technical resources to effectively execute interventions. This issue is particularly pronounced in lower-resource settings, but even high-resource countries are not immune to these limitations.
These challenges are not new to India; as an infection preventionist, she encountered them regularly throughout her career. However, seeing them reflected in the experiences of colleagues from various countries provided a sobering reminder of how universal these barriers are in global healthcare systems. Addressing them will require ongoing collaboration, innovation, and persistence.
Overall, the workshop was an invaluable opportunity to learn from others, share insights, and reaffirm the importance of addressing these foundational issues as we continue our collective fight against antimicrobial resistance.
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