Exploring the implementation of national strategic plan on antimicrobial resistance in the appropriate use of antimicrobials

Abstract

In August 2016, the Cabinets of Thailand approved the National Strategic Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2017-2021. The Strategy 5 of the National Strategic Plans aimed to enhance the public's understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote awareness of appropriate use of antimicrobials (AMU). This study aims to investigate the implementation process and activities of Strategy 5 and the factors contributing to the implementation process and activities of Strategy 5. The study was divided into 2 phases. Phase I used a descriptive survey study to answer the implementation process and activities of Strategy 5. Phase II used an in-depth interview with key informants to find the factors contributing to the implementation process and activities of Strategy 5. The results from phase I found that knowledge training is the most commonly used method among respondents. The respondents used educational brochures and posters to disseminate AMR and AMU knowledge. The target groups for which the respondents organized activities were public health professionals, patients, and village health volunteers. The survey respondents highlighted knowledge and awareness in all areas emphasized by strategy 5, achieving an average score of more than 4 out of 5. Phase II revealed the following 10 factors contributing to the outcomes of the implementation process and activities of Strategy 5, including the policy, civil society network, target groups, personnel, executives, public relations, coordination, resources, work mechanism, and environmental factors.