How can Pharmacoepidemiology research contribute to tackle the Public Health threat of Antimicrobial Resistance? A global approach

Background: One of the most urgent global public health and development threats of the 21st century is antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It is estimated that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and plants are the main drivers of AMR. Pharmacoepidemiology is a translational science to improve clinical practice, drug regulation, and health policy. The discipline has a lot to contribute to find strategies to reduce antimicrobial resistance.

Objectives: In this symposium we will present innovative approaches in pharmacoepidemiology methods to inform clinical practice, drug regulation and health policy how to reduce antimicrobial resistance.

Our intended audience are researchers in the area of infectious diseases who are interested in innovations in methodology which lead to translations of finding to improve medication use in practice.

Description: This symposium will set the scene on innovative approaches in pharmacoepidemiology research how to tackle antimicrobial resistance. We draw on experts from around the world. With this symposium we want to spark ideas, create new networks and foster initiatives. We present projects and discuss methodological questions like innovative data linkages, access to databases and development of interventions with examples spanning three continents, Australia, Americas and Europe.
1. Introduction and overview, Katja Taxis, The Netherlands (10 min)
2. The one health approach; innovative data linkage including environmental data as an innovative approach to find solutions; Chloe Smit, Australia (15 min)
3. Investigating the impact of antibiotic shortages to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of antimicrobial resistance. An approach using real world data from Lithuania. Indrė Trečiokienė, Lithuania, (15 min)
4. Challenges and initiatives for developing data-based health policies: the Brazilian case. A national initiative to open access to the database on the consumption of antibiotics and the policy regulation of dispensing antimicrobials in Brazil. Luciane Lopes, Brazil. (15 min)
5. Developing and evaluating interventions to improve practice, the example of the Happy Patient Project where the audit methodology improved use of antibiotics in practice, focusing on the pharmacist as a health care professional; Maarten Lambert, The Netherlands (15 min)
6. Panel discussion on future initiatives led by Lisa Pont, Australia and Ria Benko, Hungary (15 min);
7. Wrap up (5 min) Lisa Pont and Katja Taxis