Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs on Prescribing, Utilisation & Resistance in Primary & Secondary Care Settings - Research
PhD Study : Evaluation of the effectiveness of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs on prescribing, utilisation and resistance in primary and secondary care settings.
Summary
Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global threat which is primarily resulting from suboptimal antimicrobials use and in appropriate prescribing. Increased rates of AMR limit the options of effective antimicrobial agents, increases multi-drug resistant microbes and leads to increased rates of patients morbidity and mortality [1-3]. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is a cost-effective means of reducing the progression of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) [4-5]. Effective implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs (AMS program) seeks to optimise antimicrobial use and prescribing and decreases the rate of antimicrobial resistance [6-7]. Evaluation of the effectiveness and adherence to AMS programs in primary and secondary care settings will help to identify current gaps in the effective use of antibiotics and provide appropriate measures to fight AMR.
Underlying aim
The overall aim of the project is to evaluate the effectiveness, appropriateness and suitability of AMS programs implemented within primary and secondary care settings.
A secondary aim of this work is to identify the patterns of resistance and design adequate measures to optimise antimicrobials prescribing and use.
Specific objectives
- Assess and compare the quantity and quality of antimicrobial prescribing and resistance patterns within primary and secondary care settings.
- Monitor antibiotic consumption and stewardship policies using WHO Global-PPS and AWaRe tools in both primary and secondary care settings.
- Identify any changes to antibiotic prescribing practice such as unregulated use of antimicrobials, non-adherence to clinical guidelines, poor documentation of indications and intended duration of antimicrobials.
- Identify interventional targets required to optimise antimicrobial use and prescribing in light of WHO-GLASS for AMR and AMC
- Investigate AMS program activities, barriers and limitations to the effective implementation of AMS programs within primary and secondary care settings
- Evaluate intravenous to oral antimicrobial switch strategies within all hospital sites included in the study
- Evaluate the prevalence and trends of AMR patterns in primary and secondary care settings
Impact
Identifying patterns of antimicrobial resistance and optimising antimicrobial use and prescribing will improve patients outcomes, increase numbers of antimicrobials available to fight infections and reduce healthcare cost.
Please note that Bench Fees of £2000 per annum will be required to support this project.
Entry requirements
Essential criteria
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.
We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.
In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.
- Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
- A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
- A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship
Desirable Criteria
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
- First Class Honours (1st) Degree
- Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
- Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
- Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
- Publications - peer-reviewed
- Experience of presentation of research findings
- Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area
- A demonstrable interest in or experience of using open science methods
- Recognition of the importance of research integrity and Open Science practices
Application dates
Submission Deadline: Tuesday 1st October 2024 04:00pm.
How to Apply
We are delighted that you are considering Ulster University for your research studies.
Get full details on the application process and further guidance on how to apply, and what you will need to upload as part of your application (see "Application Date Weblink").
Once you have identified supervisors, discussed a research proposal and are ready to make an application, please apply using the online application system (see "Application Weblink").
Ulster University welcomes applications from all sections of the community and from persons with disabilities. It is University policy to assess all applications using academic criteria and on the basis of equality of opportunity and you should be assured that reasonable adjustments will be made should you require them.