Engaging the patients and prescribers of tomorrow: educational engagement to build school pupil awareness of antimicrobial resistance

Background: Effective public engagement in the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is crucial to increase awareness and build positive behaviours relating to antimicrobials. Engaging children is essential in this, to shape their future perceptions of AMR and antimicrobial stewardship, and to influence their families and peers on the appropriate usage of antimicrobials. To achieve this, effective educational interventions must be developed, with clear assessments of their efficacy to improve their future development and reach. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of an educational event linked to AMR on student and teacher awareness. Methods: A three-day educational event was performed with 405 student attendees, with ages ranging from 7 to 14 years. The event included a superbug exhibition, facilitator-led sessions, industry-led sessions and healthcare-led sessions. Qualitative opinions were captured using a notice board, and quantitative event effectiveness evaluations were captured both pre- and post-event. Results: Significant increases in self-described awareness of AMR were observed in both students and teachers following the event. Students had a lower self-assessed knowledge before the event, and exhibited a greater increase in knowledge compared with teachers. Qualitative findings showed themes of active change amongst the student cohort. Conclusion: The educational event was able to significantly increase the self-described awareness of AMR amongst the participants. Similar event formats should be considered for use when aiming to engage this demographic in the challenges posed by AMR.