Studies from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Provide New Data on Antimicrobials (Pharmacist roles in antimicrobial stewardship: a qualitative study from India, South Africa and the United Kingdom).

A recent study conducted by researchers from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham explored the roles of pharmacists in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in India, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. The study found that the UK has dedicated AMS pharmacists who lead AMS programs, while in India, pharmacists collaborate with clinicians to drive AMS, primarily in the private sector. In South Africa, pharmacists participate in AMS out of their own commitment, with private sector pharmacists driving AMS and public sector pharmacists participating in clinician-led programs. The study suggests that a standardized and accessible AMS training program, along with modifications to pharmacy curricula, could facilitate more prominent pharmacist roles in AMS. [Extracted from the article]