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Pediatrics

Barriers to Implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Pediatric Units in Thailand

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Thailand is grappling with the challenges of implementing antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs in pediatric units in academic hospitals. Despite its importance in reducing antibiotic resistance, the implementation of AMS programs is hindered by various barriers. Researchers at Chulalongkorn University have identified five pediatric units in academic hospitals in Thailand, where they conducted a qualitative study to explore the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of AMS programs. The study revealed that organizational hierarchical culture and individual behaviors significantly influence the acceptance and adherence to AMS implementation. Effective communication, collaboration among healthcare teams, and dedication to antimicrobial stewardship despite resource limitations are crucial for improving AMS program implementation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study highlights the importance of understanding the organizational hierarchical culture and individual behaviors in accepting and adhering to AMS implementation.
  • Effective communication and collaboration among healthcare teams are key to implementing the AMS program.
  • Antimicrobial stewardship is crucial in reducing antibiotic resistance, and its implementation should not be hindered by resource limitations.
  • The study provides insights into the challenges faced by healthcare workers in implementing AMS programs in pediatric units.
  • Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, is a leading institution in the study.
  • Primary outcome measures included qualitative, interpretive description with semistructured individual interviews.
  • Five pediatric units in academic hospitals in Thailand were selected for the study.
  • Participants included 20 healthcare workers and 10 AMS service providers who actively participated in the AMS program.
  • The study used thematic analysis to identify the barriers and facilitators to AMS program implementation.

Statistics:

  • 4 themes emerged from the data: organizational hierarchical culture and individual behaviors, changing healthcare workers' mindset, effective communication and collaboration, and dedication to antimicrobial stewardship.
  • 5 pediatric units in academic hospitals in Thailand were selected for the study.
  • 30 participants contributed to the study, including 20 healthcare workers and 10 AMS service providers.
  • The study revealed that organizational hierarchical culture and individual behaviors significantly influence the acceptance and adherence to AMS implementation.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Studies from Chulalongkorn University Update Current Data on Health and Medicine (Barriers in implementing antibiotic stewardship programmes at paediatric units in academic hospitals in Thailand: a qualitative study). Health & Medicine Week. June 13, 2025; p 6691.
  • Anugulruengkitt S et al. Barriers in implementing antibiotic stewardship programmes at paediatric units in academic hospitals in Thailand: a qualitative study. BMJ Open, 2025,15(5).
  • Doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-092509
  • Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
  • Journal: BMJ Open
  • URL: https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-092509

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