Designing, piloting and evaluating (through a matched pre- and post-implementation survey) a targeted e-learning resource on antimicrobial resistance for public health professionals

Hannah M Taylor; Rachel A Mearkle; Rita A M Huyton; Diane Ashiru-Oredope

doi:10.1093/eurpub/ckae086

Designing, piloting and evaluating (through a matched pre- and post-implementation survey) a targeted e-learning resource on antimicrobial resistance for public health professionals

Eur J Public Health. 2024 May 17:ckae086. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckae086. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Hannah M Taylor^{1

2

3}, Rachel A Mearkle¹, Rita A M Huyton⁴, Diane Ashiru-Oredope⁵

Affiliations

¹ South East Health Protection Team, UKHSA, Oxford, UK.
² UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme, UKHSA, London, UK.
³ Public Health, Headquarters Army Medical Services, Camberley, UK.
⁴ Health Equity and Inclusion Division, UKHSA, London, UK.
⁵ HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division, UKHSA, London, UK.

PMID: 38758120
DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckae086

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global public health threat and key priority for the public health, especially health protection, workforce to lead by example. There is a paucity of learning resources on this for public health professionals (PHPs) in the UK. This project aimed to develop and disseminate a tailored interactive learning resource and evaluate impact on self-reported intention to change behaviour.

Methods: Learning objectives were agreed, content developed by the multi-disciplinary team and piloted by PHPs in 2022 alongside a matched pre- and post-implementation evaluation survey. Questions were mapped to the capability-opportunity-motivation-behaviour change model. Before and after responses were calculated to compare change in self-reported knowledge, understanding and behaviour. Significance of change in binary responses was estimated.

Results: The resource was delivered using an interactive, user-friendly and cost-free internal platform. Thirty-one PHPs completed the pilot e-learning and survey. Perceived and actual knowledge increased in parallel. Actual knowledge on AMR burden increased from 6.45 to 35.48% (P = 0.004). Self-reported confidence to explain AMR to others improved by 0.71 (95% CI; 0.38-1.04: P = 0.0001) Likert points on a five-point scale. Motivation to advocate for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in day-to-day work, improved by 0.71 (95% CI; 0.34-1.08: P < 0.00001) Likert points. Case scenarios were well-received as an effective way to apply theory to practice.

Conclusion: Ensuring a well-informed and confident public health workforce is vital for reducing the AMR threat and advocating for AMS with the public and partner organizations. This targeted e-learning module is an effective additional learning medium in contributing to PHPs knowledge, understanding and self-reported intention to change behaviours.