Each year thousands of people are diagnosed with infections that do not respond to standard antibiotic therapy, or identified as carrying a resistant bacteria in, or on, their bodies.
Our research aims to improve the support provided by healthcare providers and clinicians for people living with antimicrobial resistance (AMR); through working with those living with AMR and taking a critical lens on the support available.
Support Needs
Our research shows that those living with resistant infections do not receive the support they need from healthcare providers, clinicians, family, not wider society – leaving them feeling isolated and fighting to be heard; undertaking their own research and becoming their own advocates.
We have identified a number of key actions that need to be taken to better support those living with AMR such as patient support networks, accessible information for patients and wider society, and education for health professionals – focusing on person centred care, communication, and empathy.
Publications
Understanding the lived-experience and support-needs of people living with antimicrobial resistance in the UK through interpretative phenomenological analysis
Scientific Reports, 14: 3403 (2024)
Impact
I have a superbug infection that leaves me in pain every day and can’t be cured – but the NHS won’t take me seriously. And a damning report says I’m just one of thousands being failed
Mail on Sunday, 25 February 2024
Funding
Antibiotic Research UK
Our research on understanding the lived-experiences and support needs of people living with AMR in the UK was funded by Antibiotic Research UK.
Ongoing work
Our research continues to explore the support needs of those living with AMR, including exploring the support and information that is already available. Current projects include:
- Identifying information and support needs through social media
- Surveying the needs of those living with AMR
- Interrogating patient information leaflets relating to AMR
Collaborators & Partners
Our research benefits from a number of collaborations and partnerships:
- Antibiotic Research UK Patient Support Service
- West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership
- Administrators of online groups for those living with AMR and recurrent infections.
Research team
Dr Ryan Hamilton
Associate Professor of Antimicrobials & Consultant Pharmacist
Prof. Iain Williamson
Professor of Critical Health Psychology
Ben Lond
Research Assistant