A groundbreaking initiative to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has exceeded expectations, training more than 5,800 healthcare professionals across Europe.
The EU-funded AMR-EDUCare programme initially aimed to reach 4,150 participants but far outpaced that target, equipping doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and healthcare managers with vital tools to curb the spread of AMR in clinical practice.
Delivered across six countries – Lithuania, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Hungary – the AMR training covered antimicrobial stewardship, responsible waste management, and effective patient communication.
Developed by local experts and adapted to national languages, the modules were designed to be both practical and accessible.
Every participant received accreditation, and the learning materials will remain freely available on Lecturio until April 2027.
Understanding AMR: Why training matters
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of medicines, making common treatments ineffective.
The consequences are severe – routine infections, once easily cured with antibiotics, could become life-threatening. Without decisive action, experts warn AMR could cause more deaths globally than cancer by 2050.
The dangers extend beyond human health. Resistant microbes can spread through food systems, animals, and the environment, creating a ‘One Health’ challenge that requires coordinated responses across sectors.
By strengthening AMR training, healthcare systems are better prepared to protect patients and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, a critical driver of resistance.
Tangible results from AMR training
The outcomes of the AMR-EDUCare programme are already encouraging.
Using the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s knowledge scale (rated 1–7), participants’ confidence and understanding rose by an average of 0.42 points.
Given that baseline knowledge levels in Europe were already high, this shift is considered a significant achievement.
Feedback from trainees reflects this impact. Nurses reported greater confidence in assessing wounds without defaulting to antibiotics, while doctors highlighted a renewed focus on prescribing shorter, targeted treatments where appropriate.
Pharmacists and managers also noted improvements in communication, stewardship practices, and awareness of risks linked to antimicrobial misuse.
Overall satisfaction with the courses scored 8.8 out of 10, reinforcing their effectiveness in reshaping professional practice across multiple healthcare roles.
Looking ahead: Expansion across Europe
Although the initial phase of the AMR-EDUCare project has concluded, its legacy continues to grow.
A comprehensive analysis of changes in prescribing behaviour is underway, but early signs point to lasting improvements.
In 2026, the programme will expand further, introducing a new module on the environmental and health impacts of antimicrobial waste.
AMR training opportunities will also be extended to Germany and Malta, widening its reach and reinforcing Europe’s collective defence against one of the world’s most pressing health threats.
