Exploring the representation of antimicrobial resistance and stewardship in Australian pharmacy media: a content analysis

Abstract

Objectives Tackling the global health threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requires a whole of system effort, which includes the involvement of pharmacists. However, the nature and extent of their current involvement may be shaped by content published in the media, including in professional publications. This study aimed to explore content inclusions relating to AMR and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in pharmacy focussed professional publications as a foundational step to understanding the impact of media content on pharmacists’ behaviour relating to AMS. Methods A range of search terms were used to review the key professional publications targeting the Australian pharmacy sector, from the period 1 January 2014 to 30 June 2019. A content analysis was conducted using a coding framework that explored seven key themes of interest. Key findings Of the 488 articles reviewed, 251 were retained for analysis. Most publications featured excerpts of research publications and published reports. Clinicians’ prescribing behaviour and the pharmaceutical industry’s manufacturing and research and development practices were described as the main contributors to the development of AMR. The breadth of pharmacists’ contribution to AMS was often segmented by place of practice, with few references to the positive links between pharmacists’ current activities in preventing and controlling infections to reducing AMR. Conclusion This study highlights that pharmacy-related media content is focused on raising awareness on the issue of AMR. There are opportunities, however, for increased coverage on pharmacists’ contribution to AMS, particularly in the community setting. This includes highlighting linkages between existing pharmacy services, such as immunisation, to broader AMS efforts.

Determining a future policy focus to support antimicrobial stewardship in community pharmacy: A modified Delphi study

“…However, this focus on the differences, rather than the complementarities of pharmacists in addressing AMR through their respective clinical settings may continue to challenge the realisation of a “whole of profession” effort. 8 …”

“…The survey statements were derived from previous studies conducted by members of the research team relating to the external 7 , 8 , 18 and internal 6 characterisations of the role of community pharmacists' in AMS. The survey statements reflected the research team's analysis of common key findings and proposed policy solutions from across the previous studies for testing with the expert panel through this study.…”

“… 4 , 5 Harnessing the full breadth of pharmacists' ability to contribute to optimising antimicrobial use is a view held within the pharmacy sector's policy, academic and professional spheres, 6 and is promoted through the profession's peak organization's position statements on AMS 7 and professional publications. 8 These publications position the breadth of community pharmacists' AMS contribution within a ‘guardian and gatekeeper’ 6 framework – fulfilling an information broker role to promote public awareness and understanding of the need for optimal antimicrobial use; coupled with performing a triage function to support individuals with minor ailments to determine if a general practitioner consultation, and potential antimicrobial is required. 6 This positioning likely reflects the nature of contemporary pharmacy practice, which has shifted beyond a process orientated service, to one that encompasses professional service delivery - evidenced most strongly in supportive AMS practices such as pharmacy-based vaccination services that have become a mainstay globally.…”