Improving Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs using Multidisciplinary Teams (FutureLearn)

Examine the impact of multidisciplinary teams in AMS programs
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat that impacts healthcare costs, causing prolonged hospital stays and increased mortality.
On this three-week course from BSAC, you’ll learn how multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), as part of an Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) program, help prevent the spread of AMR and also reduce costs.

Explore the role of a multidisciplinary team in healthcare facilities
MDTs are composed of professionals including nurses, pharmacists, and microbiologists, all sharing a common goal of reducing AMR in their healthcare facility.
You’ll explore individual MDT roles and how, when brought together, they can improve patient outcomes. You’ll examine contributing factors of successful MDTs and compare carer and patient experiences without the support of MDTs.

Develop a multidisciplinary team within your organisation
By identifying key members of MDTs and alternate MDT structures for different settings, you’ll learn the most appropriate implementation for your healthcare facility.
Exploring perspectives of MDT practitioners, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of good practice and the steps needed to integrate an MDT into your current care framework.
You’ll be able to evaluate the impact of MDTs within your own setting and take steps to implement this structure within your organisation.

Investigate the effect of a successful MDT on patient care
Using a range of case studies, you’ll explore how different roles within the MDT deliver positive impacts on patient attitudes, outcomes, and overall care.
You’ll assess the examples and be able to discuss the benefits and challenges of collective approaches to AMS.
By the end of this course, you’ll understand the role of MDTs within AMS programs, and their impact on reducing AMR across healthcare facilities.

Syllabus

Week 1: Linking multidisciplinary teams and antimicrobial stewardship
Week 2: Developing a multidisciplinary team in your healthcare facility
Week 3: Impact of multidisciplinary teams on patient care

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

• Describe the principles and significance of an MDT, particularly in relation to AMS practices.
• Identify the key members of a functional and successful MDT in your facility.
• Calculate and model the steps that should be followed when setting up an MDT.
• Evaluate the case studies presented – highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of the individual vs collective approach to AMS.

Who is the course for?
This course is designed for healthcare professionals involved in or interested in developing an Antimicrobial Stewardship program using a multidisciplinary team.
This course is particularly suited to clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, and people working in healthcare facility management.