CwPAMS 1.5 UK-Ghana-Knust Partnership
The partnership focused on the development and implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) activities in the University Hospital, KNUST.
Lead partners of the CwPAMS 1.5 UK-Ghana-Knust Partnership consisted of:
Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Northern Ireland; and
University Hospital, KNUST.
The partnership focused on the development and implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) activities in the University Hospital, KNUST.
Objectives included the education and training of hospital staff on AMS, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and surveillance on AMS, AMR, and antimicrobial consumption.
Key Stages and Project Outcomes
• Multidisciplinary AMS committee and team set up in University Hospital, KNUST
• Three Point Prevalence Surveys (PPSs) conducted over a 7-month period
• AMS Ward rounds instituted
• Training seminars conducted in-person and hybrid modes on AMS, AMR, and IPC
• 13-month cumulative antibiotic susceptibility report (antibiogram) developed
• Draft guidelines on antimicrobial prescription and use developed
The impact of this committee cannot be understated, with a few outlined below:
- Organizing point prevalence surveys which, after dissemination, led to a decline in the inappropriate prescription and use of antibiotics
- Producing the first antibiogram for the KNUST hospital
- Training of hospital employees with focus on gender equity on AMS/AMR and IPC
- Development of AMS Guidelines and policies on the use of antibiotics
- AMS ward rounds to create awareness and educate prescribers on the rational use of antibiotics.
- Development of communication and writing skills through minutes, report writing, in-person, virtual meetings and three potential publications in journals
- Improvement in project management skills
- Improving interpersonal skills and team-building efforts
The AMS project at the KNUST hospital signifies collaboration as one of the cornerstones for its success, bringing on board doctors, nurses, pharmacists, microbiologists and administrative staff as committee members to ensure its success. Health partnerships are important because as the world has become a “Global Village”, a single seemingly small act can have a major ripple effect, affecting billions. The hope is for the continued existence and extension of activities of the AMS committee, with an excellent research, development and project implementation infrastructure. We look forward to a continuous synergy with THET and the CPA who are our significant CwPAMS partners, offering financial, technical and logistical support in this regard.
“It is easy to break a single broomstick, but not a bunch” – Akan Proverb
