ITM introduces course on antibiotic resistance

The pilot course "Hospital-Based Interventions to Contain Antibiotic Resistance” finished Friday 1 July at the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp. For two weeks 14 health care professionals from around the world were able to gain greater expertise regarding antibiotic resistance and its containment at hospital level in low-resource settings. Growing resistance to antibiotics poses a serious global threat to public health.

ITM has antibiotic resistance high on its agenda. Not only is it a subject of intensive research, but from now on it is also part of its academic curriculum as a pilot course on antimicrobial resistance in hospitals was launched. The focus lays on a multidisciplinary and interactive approach.
"The training highlights various issues. Antibiotic resistance can only be controlled through a multidisciplinary approach and this should be reflected in the course. We not only want to encourage the participants to be actively involved through group work and discussions but also put great emphasis on the personal project. In preparation for the course, participants were asked to outline what might trigger antibiotic resistance in their work environment. During the coursethey develop a specific plan which they put into practice once they are back home” says Jorgen Stassijns, the course coordinator.

"Thanks to the course realised that we can make great strides forward by small daily efforts for example through a consistent use of hand disinfectants by the medical staff", says Khadija Msami, a doctor from Tanzania. “I also became aware of the various resources available for implementing these interventions, I finally find out how the representative of the World Health Organisation in my country can support our team at the hospital.”

"For two weeks I actively collaborated with laboratory technicians, doctors, etc.," says Abera Bulti, an internist from Ethiopia. "I have come to understand how to communicate in a diverse group and how to draw up a concrete plan. I not only acquired theoretical knowledge but also my organisational skills were also sharpened. During the group work activities I was encouraged to bring on ideas and practice critical thinking. "

This pilot course is an important test for an extended three-week course that will take place in 2017.