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Behavioural Science in Action: Finding Solutions to AMS Challenges in Primary Care

Patricia MENDOZA and Mel Anthony ACUAVERA

Primary care plays a critical role in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), as most antibiotics are prescribed in this setting. Challenges to optimal use of antibiotics, such as diagnostic uncertainty, time constraints, and patient expectations, persist. Behavioural science can help identify the underlying factors driving behaviours (e.g., prescribing antibiotics) and guide the development and implementation of targeted, sustainable interventions.By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: 1. Describe the context and challenges of AMS in primary care 2.  Summarise evidence-based AMS interventions shown to improve prescribing in primary care 3. Understand the key principles of using a behavioural science approach to design/implement evidence-informed AMS interventions tailored to primary careThe workshop will combine short presentations with interactive, practice-focused activities. Brief lectures will introduce key AMS and behaviour-change concepts, while group activities and discussions will allow participants to share experiences and apply the knowledge/concepts to challenges in primary care contexts. Case studies will provide practical examples of how to apply behavioural science principles.The session will begin with a 15-minute introduction of the AMS challenges and interventions in primary care, supported by a Menti activity to gather participants’ insights and experiences. This will be followed by a 30-minute segment on understanding and addressing the problem through behavioural science, using a case study to explore the behavioural influences that shape prescribing decisions. The final 15-minute block will focus on participants applying behaviour-change principles to identify and/or plan practical intervention options based on what they learned.Led by an academic GP and two behavioural scientists specialising in primary care and AMS, this workshop will equip participants with an evidence-based understanding of the challenges, behavioural determinants, and interventions related to antibiotic prescribing. It will allow participants to explore key AMS challenges and the behavioural factors that influence prescribing. Participants will have a chance to examine a real-world prescribing problem and consider practical intervention options suited to their own context. By bringing these elements together, the workshop aims to support participants in shaping more effective AMS approaches in primary care.