To mark the World Health Organization’s World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW), Magnolia Medical Technologies has released a report titled “Going Blue: Addressing the AMR Challenge.” This report makes a plea to health care providers and the public. It emphasizes the critical role of self-education, strict adherence to established medical protocols, and active advocacy for patient safety within the medical community.
By increasing their understanding of the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and resolutely following recommended medical guidelines, healthcare providers and the public can collectively contribute to extending lives and safeguarding the effectiveness of important antibiotics. The report highlights the critical role everyone can play in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, ensuring these life-saving antibiotics continue to be an effective tool in healthcare.
To learn more about this report, Infection Control Today® (Information and communication technology®) spoke with Tammy Johnson, RN, BS, CPM, a nurse at Magnolia Medical Technologies who has personal experience with AMR and wrote the foreword for the report.
Information and communication technology: Your foreword to the WHO World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week report received a lot of attention. Can you share your personal experience with AMR and how it led you to write the foreword?
Tammy Johnson, BS, RN, CPM says,
“Fighting antimicrobial resistance is not only a medical challenge but also a social challenge. We all have a role to play. Our actions matter to policymakers, healthcare professionals and everyone. This report A call to action for everyone. We can make a big impact by raising awareness, improving diagnostics and promoting responsible use of antibiotics. Let’s not forget the human stories behind these statistics; they are a powerful reminder of why we must take urgent action now. “
Tammy Johnson, BS, RN, CPM: AMR is not only a professional issue for me, but also a very personal issue. My neighbor, a kidney patient, died of vancomycin resistance. His premature death, probably 15 to 20 years too early, is a stark and painful reminder of the devastation caused by antimicrobial resistance. This experience was a turning point for me, highlighting the dire consequences of poorly managed antibiotic therapy and the importance of accurate diagnosis.Considering that as of 2019, 4.95 million people are expected to die from bacterial antimicrobial resistance by 2022 and 1.27 million people will die from bacterial resistance lancet The article states that this is a very significant and imminent threat to each of us. Writing the foreword was my way of honoring my friend and raising awareness of this critical issue.
Information and communication technology: Can you provide an overview of the key findings and highlights of the WHO World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week report, particularly as they relate to the global impact of antimicrobial resistance?
Tianjin: As our report highlights, the global impact of antimicrobial resistance is staggering. In 2019, drug-resistant infections caused 1.27 million deaths, and this number is expected to increase to 10 million by 2050. The crisis is not only a health issue but also an economic one, with global losses expected to reach $100 trillion by 2050. Research also shows significant gaps in awareness and education about AMR, with 62% of non-medical professionals never discussing the issue with a healthcare provider. The report strongly calls for immediate action to address this growing threat.
Information and communication technology: What are the main aims and objectives of WHO World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week? How can it help address antimicrobial resistance globally?
Tianjin: As a passionate advocate for the fight against antimicrobial resistance, I view WHO World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) as an important global initiative. Its main goal is to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance among the public, health care workers and policy makers and encourage best practice. This initiative plays a vital role in slowing the pace of resistance by uniting people around the world and promoting actions such as updating social media profiles to raise awareness. The collective action encouraged during WAAW is critical to combating the global threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Information and communication technology: What are the most pressing challenges healthcare professionals face when dealing with antimicrobial resistance in their daily work? How to deal with these challenges?
Tianjin: As a nurse, I see firsthand the challenges healthcare professionals face with antimicrobial resistance. A major problem is the overuse of antibiotics due to inaccurate diagnostic tests, particularly in conditions such as bloodstream infections. For example, 40% of positive blood culture results may be false positives, leading to unnecessary antibiotic use and thus the development of drug-resistant microorganisms. Addressing this problem requires a two-pronged approach: improving diagnostic accuracy and educating medical professionals and the public on the judicious use of antibiotics.
Information and communication technology: Report highlights the importance of responsible use of antibiotics. Can you explain why this is critical to combating antimicrobial resistance and what steps individuals and healthcare systems can take to promote responsible antibiotic use?
Tianjin: As a healthcare professional, I have seen firsthand the consequences of irresponsible antibiotic use both professionally and personally. Our report highlights the urgent need for the public and healthcare professionals to understand the seriousness of antimicrobial resistance. It is important for individuals to use antibiotics only when prescribed by a healthcare professional and to complete the entire course of treatment. Health care systems must prioritize accurate diagnosis to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use, as false-positive results can lead to misuse, significantly increasing antimicrobial resistance.
Information and communication technology: Do you have anything else to add?
Tianjin: Combating antimicrobial resistance is not just a medical challenge; This is a social issue. Each of us has a role to play. From policymakers to health care professionals to everyone, our actions matter. This report is a call to action for everyone. We can have a significant impact by raising awareness, improving diagnostics and promoting responsible antibiotic use. Let us not forget the human stories behind these statistics; they are a powerful reminder of why we must take urgent action now.