Antimicrobial Resistance: Challenges And Potential Solutions In Pharmacy Practice

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance poses a major global health threat, leading to increased morbidity, death, and healthcare costs. Pharmacists play a crucial role in addressing this issue through appropriate antimicrobial stewardship and patient education. This study aimed to explore the challenges pharmacists face in addressing antimicrobial resistance and identify potential solutions to improve pharmacy practice. Secondary data from various sources, including peer-reviewed literature, guidelines, and reports, were analyzed to give an overview of the current landscape of antimicrobial resistance and its impact on pharmacy practice. Challenges identified included lack of standardized guidelines, limited access to rapid diagnostic tools, inappropriate prescribin[1]g practices, patient expectations, and inadequate antimicrobial stewardship training. Potential solutions to address these challenges in pharmacy practice included enhancing antimicrobial stewardship programs, increasing antimicrobial resistance awareness through education and training, promoting prudent antibiotic prescribing practices, implementing electronic health records for monitoring and surveillance, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of pharmacists’ role in combating antimicrobial resistance and the need for wide-ranging approaches to address this critical public health issue in pharmacy practice. By implementing evidence-based interventions and fostering collaboration across healthcare settings, pharmacists can make significant contributions to promoting antimicrobial stewardship and combating antimicrobial resistance.