The limited state of training on the social dimensions of antimicrobial resistance

Abstract

Abstract Background Training is needed to increase awareness and understanding of the complex problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among professionals. However, AMR capacity building often does not stretch beyond the biomedical sciences, limiting interdisciplinary collaboration. Objectives Considering the relevance of including the social sciences, this scoping review assesses the state of training on the social dimensions of AMR. Methods Twenty-eight training courses covering social dimensions of AMR were identified via a survey (n = 133), interviews (n = 6) and an additional internet search. General characteristics, quality and social science relevance indicators were extracted and analysed for each of these training courses. Results Because only 57% of the analysed training courses were fully focused on AMR, AMR was usually superficially covered, focusing on the biomedical basics and just mentioning some social aspects without using social science theories or experts. Only 3 of the 28 training courses covered AMR primarily from a social science perspective, while only 14% of the educators involved had social science expertise. Biomedical dimensions of AMR were covered twice as much as the social science dimensions. In the social science domain, institution and policy elements are most frequently covered, while transformations are the least covered. Conclusions There is a clear gap in educational resources on AMR, but moreover for social scientists wanting to engage in AMR, or for non-social scientists wanting to learn about the social dimensions of AMR from an interdisciplinary perspective. This gap needs to be bridged if we want social sciences to become a relevant partner in the struggle against AMR.