What educational methods are commonly used in antimicrobial stewardship programs?

Online training for faculty, staff, and DVM students is a highly effective educational method commonly used in antimicrobial stewardship programs. This approach allows for flexible, self-paced learning, which is essential in a field where healthcare professionals may have varying schedules and levels of experience. Online modules can cover critical topics such as antibiotic resistance, appropriate prescribing practices, and the principles of stewardship in an engaging and interactive format, enhancing knowledge retention.

Additionally, this method allows programs to track participation and assess learning outcomes through quizzes or assessments. Given the importance of staying updated on emerging research and trends in antimicrobial stewardship, online training can be easily updated to reflect the latest guidelines and evidence-based practices, making it a particularly adaptable educational tool.

Other educational methods, while they may also contribute to the overall educational strategy, do not provide the same level of accessibility and adaptability that online training offers. For instance, webinars and in-person workshops can foster engagement through interaction and discussion, but they may be limited by time and location constraints. Printed materials such as handouts and brochures can serve as valuable supplementary resources but risk being overlooked or underutilized without active participation. Peer-reviewed research articles are crucial for advancing knowledge and best practices; however, they often require a higher level of prior knowledge and