Open AccessThe Role of the Private Sector in Advancing Antimicrobial Stewardship: Recommendations from the Global Chief Medical Officers' Network
Author(s) -
Elizabeth D. Hermsen,
Richard Jenkins,
Ivo Vlaev,
Steve Iley,
T Rajgopal,
Jonathan M. Sackier,
Pietie Loubser,
Nico Pronk,
Elizabeth Wilkinson,
Yat Chow,
Cathryn E. Gunther
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
population health management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.998
H-Index - 40
eISSN - 1942-7905
pISSN - 1942-7891
DOI - 10.1089/pop.2020.0027
Subject(s) - pledge , workforce , antimicrobial stewardship , business , stewardship (theology) , productivity , private sector , antibiotic resistance , work (physics) , health care , medicine , public relations , economic growth , antibiotics , political science , economics , engineering , politics , law , biology , mechanical engineering , microbiology and biotechnology
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. If allowed to increase at the current rate, AMR could kill an estimated 10 million people per year and cost society approximately 100-200 trillion USD globally by 2050. The slow development of novel antimicrobials further exacerbates the problem. Most human antibiotic use occurs in homes and workplaces, where antibiotic-resistant infections may contribute to diminished performance and loss of work productivity. Employers in the private sector have the ability to reach large populations of employees and their families, raise awareness about AMR, and promote antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among their workforce. The authors describe 4 steps a company can take to help advance AMS: (1) sign the AMR Pledge, (2) perform a gap analysis, (3) implement and/or modify standard practices, and (4) measure and report outcomes. Real-world examples are provided, including barriers faced, in order to successfully implement initiatives to promote better AMS. Behavioral methods to influence change in the workplace are also presented. Both large and small companies can make a difference to support responsible use of antibiotics and improve the health and well-being of their employees.