21st February 2024: The remarkable success of Project Parivartan, which is a collaborative initiative to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in India, with its 11 participating hospitals across 7 states scoring an average of 90% across Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS), in the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) audit.
This project is aimed at demonstrating a reduction in infections and the prevalence of multi-drug resistant organisms in small to mid-sized hospitals through infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship activities.
To provide a blueprint for similar hospitals and institutions across the country, the learnings and accomplishments of the project were also unveiled in a report titled Project Parivartan: Insights and Learnings from an Evidence-based Approach to Combat AMR. The report, which was aimed at providing credible information and inspiration to healthcare providers and hospitals, will be published in detail in leading scientific journals and is poised to help caregivers implement best-in-class AMS practices for better patient outcomes.
Among the various outcomes achieved through this program, notable ones include:
Reduction in Infections, an average 30% reduction in hospital-acquired infections across all 11 participating hospitals, showcasing effective strategies that yielded positive results in addressing AMR. Decrease in Multidrug-Resistant Organisms, which demonstrated a substantial 24.2% reduction in the rate of multidrug-resistant organisms, indicating rigor in both IPC and AMS practices. Knowledge Gain among Healthcare Workers, in the post-intervention, healthcare workers showed an average knowledge gain of 95% in Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) and 88% in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). Compliance is achieved with an average compliance rate of 85% in critical areas such as hand hygiene, IPC care bundles, and antibiotic policy.
The project achieved a 30% reduction in hospital-acquired infections and a 24% reduction in the incidence of multi-drug resistant organisms. 11 hospitals under Project Parivartan successfully passed their NABH audits with average 90% scores in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS). Pfizer and Americares India Foundation (AIF) unveiled a report titled Project Parivartan is insights and learnings from an evidence-based approach to combat AMR.
The project outcomes and report were released at an event titled “Uniting Against Antimicrobial Resistance” that saw participation from distinguished speakers and panelists, including Dr. Narendra Saini, Chairman of IMA AMR Standing Committee, and Dr. Sanjeev Singh, Medical Director at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad. Focused on sustainable strategies in the fight against AMR, the event highlighted valuable perspectives and achievements of Project Parivartan including its partner hospitals. Panel discussions, such as “Navigating the AMR Landscape” and “Perspectives on Antimicrobial Stewardship,” encouraged the need for broader awareness and collaboration for a resilient future in combating AMR.
Meenakshi Nevatia, Managing Director of Pfizer India, stated, “Project Parivartan stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to tackling our country’s primary health crises in partnership with our hospitals and our healthcare professionals. Through our years of collaboration with Americares India Foundation, we have driven real change in combating AMR and elevating healthcare standards across our country’s health ecosystem. With the 11 hospitals that have
transformed themselves, we have taken the first few steps. We hope this report will inspire hospitals across the country to take the necessary steps to tackle the challenge of AMR.”
Shripad Desai, Deputy Senior Vice President, and Country Team Liaison, said, “Project Parivartan’s success marks a significant milestone in our fight against Antimicrobial Resistance. Through collaboration with Pfizer, we’ve achieved tangible results, emphasizing the importance of collective action in healthcare. We extend our gratitude to all contributors and stress the need for ongoing collaboration to address global health challenges effectively.”
At the event, in response to these achievements, Pfizer, and Americares India Foundation called for sustained action, emphasizing the crucial need for collaboration among clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and corporate entities to maintain the momentum in the fight against AMR.
