INTEGRATED TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP AND INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL FOR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS: A REVIEW OF THE CURRENT LITERATURE BİRİNCİ BASAMAK HEKİMLERİ İÇİN ANTİMİKROBİYAL YÖNETİM İLE ENFEKSİYON ÖNLEME VE KONTROLÜNE YÖNELİK ENTEGRE EĞİTİM PROGRAMLARI: MEVCUT LİTERATÜRÜN BİR İNCELEMESİ

Kecik M., ÇELİK M., Hekimoğlu C. H., BARAN AKSAKAL F. N.

Ankara Universitesi Eczacilik Fakultesi Dergisi, vol.49, no.3, pp.766-772, 2025 (Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 49 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.33483/jfpau.1663313
  • Journal Name: Ankara Universitesi Eczacilik Fakultesi Dergisi
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus, Central & Eastern European Academic Source (CEEAS), EMBASE, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.766-772
  • Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention and control, integrated training program, primary health care
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objective: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a silent pandemic. Its impact endangers health systems worldwide, compromising progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Primary health care (PHC) plays a crucial role in ensuring access to high-quality, affordable healthcare, disease prevention, and community health improvement. However, the risk of infection transmission in PHC settings highlights the need for robust infection prevention and control (IPC) measures alongside antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) to ensure responsible antibiotic use and optimal patient outcomes. Material and Method: This research examines the current literature on AMS and IPC training programs for primary care physicians. A systematic search using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus identified 95 relevant articles, excluding settings outside PHC and specific AMS or IPC interventions beyond training. Result and Discussion: Despite the recognized importance of AMS and IPC, no integrated training programs addressing both strategies in PHC settings were identified. The findings suggest an urgent need for structured, evidence-based training programs to enhance AMS and IPC implementation in primary care. Developing and evaluating such programs could be a key step in combating AMR at the frontline of healthcare.