By Dr Dayana Souza Fram, affiliate Professor of Federal University of Sao Paulo and Infection Preventionist Nurse of Hospital São Paulo, academic visitor of the Safeguarding Health through Infection Prevention (SHIP) research group- Research Centre for Health- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University.
In March 2024, I came to Glasgow on an academic visit with the aim of understanding and learning about the nurses’ framework in Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) in Scotland. This visit was supported by the Capes Print Internationalization program of the Brazilian Government, under the supervision of Prof. Jacqui Reilly.
Embarking on my first experience living abroad in a country that I have never visited before, with its distinct culture, climate, language and the coolest accent in the UK, I must admit I was both excited and apprehensive. However, since my arrival, I have only wonderful experiences in Scotland, especially due to the warm welcome from its people.
To understand the role Antimicrobial Stewardship Nurses in practice, it was essential to delve into the nursing education system. Supported by professors and lecturers from the SHIP research group, I was able to participate in ungraduated nursing classes, skills sessions, Masters Public Health Infection prevention and control in a global context module, clinician-led sessions with pre- registered and post- registered students. In addition, I had the opportunity to meet esteemed professionals such as the lead of the Nursing Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals (NMAHP) project of NHS Education for Scotland and a renowned researcher in the field of prescription medicine management by non-medical healthcare professionals.
Following a series of meetings and activities, I personally visited or held online meetings with members of five AMS teams from Scotland and England. These teams oversee the following eight hospitals: Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Ninewells Hospital, Perth Royal Infirmary, Western General Hospital, St. John’s Hospital, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, West Suffolk Foundation, and Nottingham University Hospital.
During these visits, I had the opportunity to learn more about the AMS structure, human resources, the competencies of nurses and other team members, and it was also an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences and establish partnerships for future research.
To find out more about the SHIP team, head on to the GCU website, read the rest of our blogs and follow us on Twitter @SHIPGCU