Quality use of antimicrobials, antimicrobials resistance & vaccine use
Quality use of antimicrobials, antimicrobials resistance & vaccine use | School of Applied Sciences
Dr Syed Shahzad Hasan
Lead Academic
University of Huddersfield, School of Applied Sciences.
Despite mandatory antimicrobial stewardship in Malaysia’s healthcare facilities, antibiotic de-escalation remains challenging. This project addresses the urgent issue of antimicrobial resistance and the rise of ‘superbugs’ contributing to higher mortality rates.
The Project
Antimicrobial resistance is a critical global issue, with the rise of ‘superbugs’ significantly increasing mortality rates. In response, Malaysia’s Health Ministry has mandated antimicrobial stewardship across all healthcare facilities. However, effective antibiotic de-escalation remains challenging, with many clinicians believing that broader-spectrum antibiotics yield better outcomes. This perception has led to ongoing, often subjective debates around de-escalation practices.
This research addresses these challenges by providing clinicians with a validated, evidence-based tool designed to guide antibiotic de-escalation, ultimately supporting more effective decision-making and improved patient outcomes.
Partner Institutions
- Dr Amer Hayat Khan – Universiti Sains Malaysia
International Partnerships
This project has involved the collaborative efforts of Dr Hasan from the University of Huddersfield and Dr Khan from Universiti Sains Malaysia.
As a result of the project, one PhD student, a clinical pharmacist from Penang General Hospital, has already completed her thesis looking at antibiotic de-escalation approach in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) setting. This PhD student was jointly supervised by Dr Hasan and Dr Khan (from USM, Malaysia).
Another output from the collaboration resulted in a research article exploring pharmacist-led educational intervention to improve nebulization-related knowledge and practices of nursing staff.
Antimicrobial resistance poses a serious global threat, with 'superbugs' increasingly impacting mortality rates. Our research addresses misconceptions around antibiotic de-escalation, offering clinicians a validated tool to make informed, effective decisions, supporting antimicrobial stewardship efforts across healthcare facilities.
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About the Researcher
Dr Hasan is a pharmacy practice researcher and qualified academic pharmacist with 18 years of experience in pharmacy practice teaching and research both in hospitals and academia. He joined the University of Huddersfield in September 2017 and is acting as a postgraduate course leader for MSc Clinical Pharmacy Practice.
Find out more about Dr Syed Shahzad Hasan.
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