Pharmacists are at the frontline of antibiotic prescribing and can become defensive when antibiotic dispensing practices are discussed. Given their critical role in the community, OUCRU Nepal believes it is important to understand their perspectives if the change is to be achieved. The aim of this programme is to find solutions by building relationships and working together and to enable pharmacists to take an active role in planning solutions.
From 2017-2018 nine engagement events were conducted that were mostly attended by pharmacists of Lalitpur district and were facilitated by the doctors and scientists from OUCRU Nepal. The engagement events for “AMR Diaries” were also attended by the representatives of the community-based pathology lab, nurses, medical doctors from the emergency ward, and consultants. The final grand public engagement on “AMR Diaries” was also attended by the policymakers, representatives from the department of drug administration, district public health office of Lalitpur and Kathmandu district, department of livestock and agriculture, curriculum developers from various universities, health insurance companies. These engagement events were held after the survey with the pharmacists regarding their behavior regarding antibiotic prescribing. Around 300 attendees participated in the engagement for “AMR Diaries”. Group discussion between the pharmacists and facilitator was done during the engagement events to develop a shared understanding of:
