Europe surpasses target for antimicrobial resistance training under AMR-EDUCare initiative
In a significant stride towards combating the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's (ECDC) AMR-EDUCare programme has shown promising results.
The programme, which was delivered in six countries - Lithuania, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Hungary - trained over 5,800 healthcare professionals across Europe, surpassing its initial target of 4,150. Each participant received accreditation upon completion.
The learning materials from the AMR-EDUCare programme will remain freely available on Lecturio until April 2027.
The training covered essential topics such as antimicrobial stewardship, responsible waste management, and effective patient communication. As a result, early signs indicate lasting improvements in prescribing behaviour.
Doctors have highlighted a renewed focus on prescribing shorter, targeted treatments where appropriate. Nurses have reported an increase in their confidence in assessing wounds without defaulting to antibiotics. Pharmacists and managers have noted improvements in communication, stewardship practices, and awareness of risks linked to antimicrobial misuse.
The average increase in participants' confidence and understanding in the AMR-EDUCare programme, as measured by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's knowledge scale, was 0.42 points.
Resistant microbes can spread through food systems, animals, and the environment, creating a 'One Health' challenge that requires coordinated responses across sectors. The expansion of the AMR-EDUCare programme aims to reinforce Europe's collective defense against antimicrobial resistance.
Experts warn that without decisive action, AMR could cause more deaths globally than cancer by 2050. Strengthening AMR training in healthcare systems is critical to protect patients and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, a key driver of resistance.
In 2026, the AMR-EDUCare programme will expand to include a new module on the environmental and health impacts of antimicrobial waste. The institution planning to expand AMR training for medical professionals in Germany and Malta as part of the AMR-EDUCare program is the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). A comprehensive analysis of changes in prescribing behaviour is underway.
Overall satisfaction with the AMR-EDUCare courses was 8.8 out of 10, indicating a positive response from the participants. The success of the AMR-EDUCare programme underscores the importance of continued investment in training and education to combat antimicrobial resistance.
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