Pharmacists’ Perceptions of Handling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): A Case Study in Saudi Arabia

INTRODUCTION: Saudi Arabia is one of the countries facing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The pharmacist is an important stakeholder in the healthcare system who plays a crucial role in avoiding AMR and implementing antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used in this study. The online questionnaire collected data regarding the enablers that have helped in preparing pharmacists to handle AMR and the barriers faced by pharmacy personnel in handling AMR, as well as the strategies used to overcome the identified barriers. RESULTS: A total of 109 participants were included in the study. Just under two thirds (62.4%) of participants were female and the majority (70.6%) worked as pharmacists. Just under half (41.7%) had between 6 and 10 years of work experience. Three quarters (74.3%) had antimicrobial stewardship in place and around the same number (73.4%) were involved in handling infectious disease management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacists have found that preparatory items/tasks, pharmacy college curriculum, pharmacy rotation, years of experience and self-education related to AMR handling to be natural, with a mean of 3.2. The participants found all the barriers – insufficient background, in site education and training, limited time, limited CPD activities, limited educational tools and no free access to relevant clinical journals – to be relevant, with a mean of 4.05. The participants found all the enablers – CPD activities, funded educational programs, allowing time for self-education, accessible educational resources and tools, annual evolution of competencies - to be relevant, with a mean of 4.12. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that the barriers preventing the handling of AMR could be overcome through allowing pharmacists more time for self-directed continuous education, providing access to tools and online educational resources, and offering pharmacists funded courses to equip them with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to handle AMR.