Collaborative AMS: Empowering Pharmacy Technicians to Tackle AMR (2025)

Local Primary Care GP Federation - Blackburn with Darwen

Project summary

Antibiotic resistance is on the rise, and it is vital that this issue is addressed, ensuring that these essential medications keep working. The aim of the project was to increase awareness of antibiotic resistance, its implications, and the crucial role the public, healthcare professionals, individuals, and communities collaboratively play in reducing its emergence through our own actions and by educating others.

Key messages were predominantly delivered by the PCN pharmacy technician workforce through various clinical and non-clinical activities and engagement opportunities. Training and a variety of initiatives were implemented before, during, and after World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) 2024, adhering to the campaign theme of Educate, Advocate, Act Now.

This included social media posts, communications, interactive presentations, and activities within the organisation workforce, adult social care providers, practice managers, and non-clinical GP practice staff. During the presentations, everyone participated in completing quizzes. It was suggested that people "go blue" for WAAW, organisations carry out their own campaigns, and, where applicable, complete the e-learning for healthcare module on Antimicrobial Resistance and Infections. Everyone was encouraged to make a pledge and become an Antibiotic Guardian.

Education around the One Health approach was shared, highlighting the importance of infection prevention, immunisation, and included measures to be taken and used in pets. Information on the wider implications on the environment was shared, reinforcing the importance of safe disposal of unused antibiotics.

Clinical resources about recommended antibiotic course durations and information about WAAW 2024 were disseminated to primary care healthcare professionals and prescribers.

Pharmacy technicians completed audits to assess adherence to NICE guidelines for the management of acute cough. The findings were presented by the technician to GP practices to support assessment and development of action plans.

Patient information resources were displayed in waiting areas of GP practices and health centres, where pharmacy technicians interacted with patients to raise awareness. Prescribers were provided with information leaflets to provide and discuss with patients to support education, safety netting, and shared decision-making.

The message has reached around 1,000 contacts across the health economy, and overall, the campaign received excellent feedback.

Local prescribing data demonstrated a notable reduction of 10.8% in antibacterial items/STAR-PU, and a significant increase in the proportion of 5-day courses of Amoxicillin and Doxycycline. It is envisaged that pharmacy technician involvement and collaboration has contributed to these outcomes.

The project was a successful first step in showcasing and incorporating the role of antimicrobial stewardship into the pharmacy technician workforce based in primary care.