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Carolyne H, Esmita Charani, Educator, Monsey McLeod, Alison Holmes, Julia Szymczak, and Hannah Stewart

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for health professionals, junior researchers and doctoral students new to social science with an interest in antimicrobial stewardship.

Topics Covered

Read more

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for health professionals, junior researchers and doctoral students new to social science with an interest in antimicrobial stewardship.

Topics Covered

  • What is social science and why do we need a social science perspective for tackling AMR?
  • Insights on implementing AMS to tackle AMR across different settings
  • Introduction to realist review
  • Introduction to ethnography
  • Introduction to implementation science

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Reviews summary

Social science insights for amr

According to students, this course offers a highly insightful and relevant exploration of Antimicrobial Resistance through a social science lens, a perspective often overlooked. Learners particularly praise the knowledgeable and engaging instructors who make complex topics accessible. The course is considered a strong foundation for health professionals and researchers new to social science, offering valuable insights into topics like implementation science and ethnography. While providing a unique and essential viewpoint, some learners noted that those already familiar with social science methodologies might find parts too introductory or theoretical, seeking more concrete practical applications.
Excellent introduction for those new to social science in AMR context.
"I think it's excellent for those new to social science..."
"As a public health professional, I found the integration of social science theories with AMR to be highly relevant."
"The concept of social science applied to health issues was new to me, and this course provided a good foundation."
Instructors are experts, engaging, and simplify complex concepts.
"The instructors were knowledgeable and engaging, making complex topics accessible."
"The instructors are experts, and their passion for the subject shines through. The lectures are concise and well-produced."
"The instructors were clear."
Offers a crucial, often overlooked social science perspective on AMR.
"Absolutely essential for anyone working in AMR. The content is unique in its focus on the social dimensions, which are often overlooked."
"I found the integration of social science theories with AMR to be highly relevant and practical. It truly filled a gap in my understanding."
"The discussions around behavioral aspects of AMR and the need for a multi-disciplinary approach were eye-opening."
May feel too introductory or slow-paced for those already familiar with social science.
"As someone with a background in sociology, I found some of the 'introduction to social science' content too basic and repetitive. The pace was slow for me."
"...might be too introductory for someone already familiar with these methodologies."
Strong theoretical foundations but some sought more concrete tools.
"While the theory was good, I hoped for more concrete tools on how to *actually* implement these findings in a clinical setting."
"I signed up hoping for a deeper dive into specific social interventions... I felt the course stayed very high-level."
"I would have liked more case studies or interactive exercises to deepen understanding, as some concepts are abstract."

Career center

Learners who complete Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance: A Social Science Approach will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 35 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance: A Social Science Approach.
A comprehensive reference work that provides an overview of the social and behavioral sciences.
This comprehensive guide provides a thorough overview of ethnographic research methods, including participant observation, interviewing, and data analysis.
A multi-volume reference work that provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social psychology.
This leading peer-reviewed journal in the field of infectious diseases. While not a book, it crucial resource for staying updated on contemporary topics, research, and guidelines related to infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship. It is highly valuable for professionals and researchers.
Examines antimicrobial resistance through the lens of the 'One Health' concept, highlighting the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It is crucial for understanding the multi-faceted nature of AMR and the need for interdisciplinary approaches. It is particularly relevant given the course names that mention One Health.
This report outlines key research areas at the interface of human, animal, plant, and environmental health to combat AMR, reflecting the One Health approach. It crucial document for understanding current research priorities and future directions in the field. It is particularly relevant for those interested in the research and policy aspects of One Health and AMR.
Explores the profound impact of antibiotic overuse on the human microbiome and its potential links to various modern diseases, including those influenced by antimicrobial resistance. It provides valuable context on the broader ecological consequences of antibiotic use. It is an important read for understanding the 'why' behind the AMR crisis beyond just the microbiological mechanisms.
Delves into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and explores novel approaches to combat it. Understanding resistance is fundamental to effective stewardship. It valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the scientific basis of antimicrobial resistance.
Provides a compelling and accessible narrative about the rise of MRSA, a well-known example of antimicrobial resistance. It is particularly useful for gaining a broad understanding of how antibiotic resistance emerges and spreads, and the human stories behind it. It serves as excellent background reading for anyone new to the topic.
Provides evidence-based guidance on the appropriate use of antibiotics based on the WHO's AWaRe classification system. It practical resource for healthcare professionals and public health practitioners focused on optimizing antibiotic use to combat resistance. It is particularly relevant for antimicrobial stewardship efforts.
Provides an overview of the problems associated with antibiotic resistance and explores potential solutions from various perspectives. It good resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges and the range of proposed interventions. It is suitable for a broad audience interested in the AMR crisis.
Delves into the interconnectedness of antimicrobial resistance and bacterial virulence, providing a more in-depth look at the biological mechanisms involved. It is suitable for those seeking a deeper scientific understanding of how bacteria become resistant and cause disease. It is valuable for advanced students and researchers.
Explores the origins, evolution, and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, as well as alternative strategies to combat infections. Understanding the evolutionary and molecular aspects of resistance provides a deeper foundation for effective stewardship efforts.
Provides practical guidance on how to implement and sustain health interventions. It includes case studies and examples from a variety of settings.
While covering a broader scope of infectious diseases, this book dedicates significant attention to the threat of antimicrobial resistance as a major public health emergency. It provides a high-level overview of the challenges and potential solutions, making it suitable for gaining a broad understanding and appreciating the urgency of the topic. It is valuable for putting AMR into the larger context of global health threats.
Explores collaborative approaches to controlling antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the importance of multi-sectoral efforts. It useful resource for understanding the need for cooperation across different fields and regions to effectively address AMR. It is relevant for those interested in public health and policy interventions.
This handbook offers an integrated approach to infectious diseases and microbiology, covering basic principles, specific diseases, and topical issues. It practical and comprehensive reference for those in clinical settings, including aspects relevant to antimicrobial therapy and stewardship. The 3rd edition is expected in 2025.
A practical guide to recording and analyzing ethnographic observations, with advice on note-taking strategies, ethical considerations, and data management.
Focuses on the practical aspects of implementing evidence-based practices in healthcare. It provides guidance on how to identify, select, and implement effective interventions.
Discusses the ongoing challenge of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, covering various aspects including assessment of resistance and mechanisms involved. It provides insights into the persistent nature of AMR and the scientific efforts to combat it. It is suitable for those seeking a more technical understanding of the issue.
This resource provides case-based learning to help healthcare professionals assess and improve their knowledge of infectious disease pharmacotherapy. It includes cases relevant to antimicrobial stewardship and infection control, making it a useful tool for reinforcing and expanding skills.
This textbook provides foundational coverage of medical microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases. Understanding the microbial world and mechanisms of infection is crucial for effective antimicrobial stewardship. It widely used resource for students and professionals in healthcare fields.
This textbook offers a comprehensive exploration of epidemiological methods with recent examples, making it a valuable resource for understanding how AMR is studied in populations. It is suitable for both students and practitioners in public health and clinical medicine.
Provides a framework for developing and implementing evidence-based policies and practices in public health, with a focus on the role of research and data in informing decision-making.
This resource provides evidence-based strategies and interventions for implementing and sustaining antimicrobial stewardship in various healthcare settings within the Australian context. While specific to Australia, it offers valuable insights into practical implementation that can be adapted elsewhere. It is regularly updated.
Similar to other epidemiology textbooks, this book provides foundational knowledge in epidemiological principles and their application to public health issues, including infectious diseases and outbreaks. It solid resource for students needing to build their epidemiological understanding relevant to AMR.
This comprehensive pharmacotherapy textbook includes detailed sections on infectious diseases, covering the pathophysiology and treatment with antimicrobial agents. It standard reference for pharmacy students and practitioners, providing essential knowledge on the appropriate use of antibiotics.
This widely used textbook provides a strong foundation in the principles and methods of epidemiology, which are essential for understanding the spread and control of infectious diseases, including antibiotic-resistant infections. While not specific to AMR, a solid grasp of epidemiology is crucial for anyone working in this field. It standard text in public health programs.
Tells the engaging story of the discovery and development of antibiotics and their impact on modern medicine. While not a clinical text, it provides essential historical context for understanding the significance of antibiotics and the subsequent emergence of resistance, which underpins the need for stewardship.

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