Vol.73 No.6 November 2025

Implementation and educational effects of a game-based antimicrobial stewardship program

Yukihiro Kaneko^{1, 2, 3)}, Koichi Yamada^{4, 5)}, Norihiro Sakurai^{5, 6)}, Yasuyo Okada⁷⁾, Yuka Myodo⁷⁾, Akiko Fujita⁷⁾, Hironobu Nishiura⁷⁾, Kiyotaka Nakaie^{5, 8)}, Yuka Nonose⁹⁾, Kanae Takahashi¹⁰⁾, Seinosuke Ookura¹⁰⁾, Masako Maeda¹¹⁾, Toshihiko Maeda¹¹⁾ and Hiroshi Kakeya^{2, 3, 5, 7)}

¹⁾Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-4-3 Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, Japan
²⁾Research Center for Infectious Disease Sciences, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine
³⁾Osaka International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Osaka Metropolitan University
⁴⁾Omura Municipal Hospital
⁵⁾Department of Clinical Infection Control, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine
⁶⁾Department of Pharmacy, University Hospital, Osaka Metropolitan University
⁷⁾Department of Infection Control, University Hospital, Osaka Metropolitan University
⁸⁾Department of Central Clinical Laboratory, University Hospital, Osaka Metropolitan University
⁹⁾Department of Nursing, University Hospital, Osaka Metropolitan University
¹⁰⁾Department of Medical Statistics, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine
¹¹⁾Maeda ENT Clinic

Abstract

Antimicrobial stewardship (AS) is being promoted internationally as part of efforts to address spreading antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Effective implementation of AS requires multidisciplinary collaboration as AS-related knowledge spans multiple specialized fields such as microbiology, pharmacology and infectious diseases; the latter, however, often results in disparities in knowledge and experience across professions. These gaps have been reported as barriers to the promotion of AS in clinical settings. To address this issue, we designed and implemented a multidisciplinary educational program titled "Fil-GAP (Facilitative Gathering for Appropriate Antimicrobial Practice)", which incorporates an original game-based learning tool. To evaluate its educational impact, we conducted pre- and post-workshop comparisons. Participants who registered for the workshop were invited to complete a knowledge test on AS and a questionnaire designed to assess learning motivation and other relevant aspects. Of the 199 registrants, 81 individuals who reported their occupation, provided informed consent, and for whom complete pre- and post-workshop data were available were included in the full analysis set. The primary outcome (knowledge test) was analyzed in 59 participants, and the secondary outcomes (questionnaire items) in 75 participants. The knowledge test was scored out of 23 points. Improvements in learning motivation and interest were also observed for multiple items, with a statistically significant trend towards greater motivation improvement among older participants in the model using specialization as a covariate. The game-based material received favorable evaluations in the questionnaire, with a high proportion of participants rating it as "Useful". Free-text responses also supported its potential as an introductory or supplementary educational tool. This study presents an example of an educational initiative in AS and may provide insights into interprofessional and cross-institutional collaboration in the development and implementation of educational materials.

Key word

antimicrobial stewardship, infection control, antimicrobial resistance

Received

May 15, 2025

Accepted

July 11, 2025

Jpn. J. Chemother. 73 (6): 597-606, 2025