As global health organizations ramp up efforts to fight the spread of drug-resistant microbes, many recognize a growing need to collect robust data on risk factors for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). At mClinica, we have data collection and patient engagement platforms that can help.
We manage these platforms in Asia’s emerging markets. In the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, we have longitudinal datasets that provide insight on how antibiotics are prescribed and used. We recently began discussing collaborations with AMR researchers in Vietnam to analyze these datasets, and ultimately intend to work with organizations throughout the region.
Our data supports surveillance of antibiotic consumption and epidemiological trends—two key risk factors for AMR. In all markets, we track usage patterns for key antibiotic molecules and products down to the hospital and pharmacy level. In some markets, we can even map this data to indication, patient age/gender, dosing, physician specialty, and other factors.
Our data has applications for all phases of AMR surveillance. First, it helps public health organizations assess overall AMR risk levels and allocate resources accordingly. Second, it facilitates highly targeted interventions by highlighting hospitals, pharmacies, and patient cohorts with particularly high risk levels (such as those experiencing high rates of prescribing errors). Third, it allows for continuous monitoring and evaluation of the impact of those interventions.
Our data complements other AMR surveillance platforms, such as those focused on clinical monitoring of resistance rates in high-risk bacterial strains. We are excited by initiatives like the WHO’s Global AMR Surveillance System (GLASS), which is creating standards and systems for AMR data sharing. We also appreciate the work of research and advocacy initiatives like the Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, which recently issued a sobering report about the scale of the problem.
Beyond just data, we also operate patient engagement platforms across Southeast Asia that use mobile messaging to promote health education and treatment compliance. These programs promote positive health behaviors while collecting data about treatment pathways that can be extremely valuable for AMR research.
AMR is one of the most pressing global health risks of our time, but visibility on the problem remains limited in the markets where we operate. With our data and patient engagement platforms, we are working to change this. We strongly believe that technology and data science can be a powerful tool in the fight against drug-resistant microbes, and we’re open to collaboration. Please contact us if you would like to talk further about how we can help.