Gamified Intervention to Educate Healthcare Professionals on Rational Use of Antimicrobials.
Sumana Mahadevaiah Neelambike1* , Supreeta R Shettar2 , Yogeesh M3 , Aishwarya Anand4 , G K Megha5 and Chandan S6
1Professor, Department of Clinical Microbiology, JSS Medical College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India
2-5Research Scholar, Department of Clinical Microbiology, JSS Medical College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India
6Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India.
Citation; Neelambike SM, Shettar SR, Yogeesh M, Anand A, Megha GK, Chandan S (2023) Gamified Intervention to Educate Healthcare Professionals on Rational Use of Antimicrobials. SciTech Infectious Diseases 2023.
Received: August 22, 2023 Accepted: August 25, 2023 Published: August 25, 2023
Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem. It’s important to train health care professionals on rational use of antimicrobials to curb AMR.
Methods: This is a prospective interventional study conducted for the clinical practitioners, Undergraduates (MBBS/Interns), Post graduates and Pharmacy Students. A total of 50 participants were included in the study. The innovative games were administered for management of infections of all the different systems of the body in accordance with the ICMR treatment guidelines 2022 and latest IDSA guidelines involving different components. Pre-test and Post-test questionnaires were administered and evaluated.
Results: After the intervention, the knowledge on differentiating between bacterial and viral symptoms in respiratory tract infections and gastroenteritis improved from 48% to 94%. The practice of using right empirical choice of antimicrobials in the right dose for the right duration, based on the severity of the infection improved from 34 % to 82 %. The awareness/practice of using the right and rational combination of antibiotics improved from 44% to 84%. The knowledge on suspecting multi-drug resistant gram negative infections and other priority pathogens such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida infection improved from 32% to 78%. The practice of using certain antibiotics in specific infection sites based on their pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics improved from 20% to 76%. The knowledge on intrinsic resistance of certain microorganisms to specific antimicrobial agents improved from 15 % to 80%.
Conclusion: The gamified intervention successfully improved participants' knowledge and awareness on rational antimicrobial use. The substantial improvements in all the aforementioned components highlight the positive impact of the intervention in promoting optimal antimicrobial use and curbing AMR. Innovative gamified interventions create better and long-lasting awareness ensuring the appropriate use of antimicrobials.
Keywords: Gamified intervention, Tackling AMR, Rational use of antimicrobials, ICMR antimicrobial treatment guidelines 2022
