Engaging trainee pharmacists in schools’ outreach and science communication through the UKHSA ‘Antibiotic Guardian Schools Ambassadors' initiative

Thornley, Tracey; Miah, Tanya; Charlesworth, Jordan; Gilham, Ellie; Ayeni, Adeola.H.; Solanki, Kirti; Dunne, Richard; Ashiru-Oredope, Diane

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats facing humanity today. AMR and stewardship are important topics for early career pharmacists to navigate. In 2022, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Boots UK collaborated to incorporate the ‘Antibiotic Guardian Schools’ Ambassadors Project’ within the Boots Trainee Pharmacist programme.

A UKHSA toolkit, containing written and video resources, and support from regional Boots Learning & Development teams was provided to assist trainee pharmacists in (1) delivering education lessons and activities at local schools and community groups; (2) encouraging them to include newsletter items on AMR; (3) providing information about the pharmacy profession to young people; and (4) participating in data collection. Trainee pharmacists were asked to fill in registration and feedback forms for analysis and evaluation.

197 trainee pharmacists registered to participate in the programme. Interim analysis of registration data suggests that more than half the trainee pharmacists were ‘quite’ or ‘very’ confident speaking to colleagues (70.5%, 129/183), the public (66.1%, 121/183), and young people (58.5%, 107/83) about antimicrobial use with some variation depending on audience. Early information from feedback questionnaires suggests that trainee pharmacists felt they gained confidence in delivering public health campaigns and providing information to young people as well as making a positive contribution to their community.

Trainee pharmacists were able to participate in a national public health awareness campaign, gain valuable skills, and become Antibiotic Guardians. Future work, based on feedback, includes updating the UKHSA toolkit and making it available to all trainee pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Citation

Thornley, T., Miah, T., Charlesworth, J., Gilham, E., Ayeni, A., Solanki, K., Dunne, R., & Ashiru-Oredope, D. (2023, May). Engaging trainee pharmacists in schools’ outreach and science communication through the UKHSA ‘Antibiotic Guardian Schools Ambassadors' initiative. Presented at Clinical Pharmacy Congress 2023, London, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: Clinical Pharmacy Congress 2023
• Start Date: May 12, 2023
• End Date: May 13, 2023
• Deposit Date: May 5, 2023
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/20286900