Submission ID 132016
| Issue/Objective | International and national action plans for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have grown steadily over the last two decades. However, a vacuum in responsibility and accountability could hinder sustained action to tackle AMR. Our scoping review seeks to contribute to the body of knowledge on the accountability mechanisms used for antimicrobial (AMR) policy solutions. The objective was to map the mechanisms used in ensuring accountability for AMR policy solutions, by answering the review question: What accountability mechanisms are proposed or in practice for One Health antimicrobial resistance policies, plans and strategies? |
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| Methodology/Approach | We followed the Arksey and O'Malley guidelines for scoping reviews. We conducted a search on Global Health, Medline, PsycINFO, Sociological abstracts and Web of Science electronic databases. In addition, we conducted a hand search of reference lists. Our search strategy was organized based on the Population-Concept-Context framework. The search terms included accountability, antimicrobial resistance, One Health and policy, as well as their related terms. The records were exported into Covidence bibliometric management software, where title and abstract and full text screening were conducted in duplicate. Records were included if accountability mechanisms for AMR policies, plans or strategies were described in their full texts, regardless of publication type. Documents with limited discussion of accountability and those describing study protocols were excluded. Data charting includes article bibliometric information, geographical context, accountability mechanisms described clarity of accountability mechanism and sectoral integration in accountability plans. |
| Results | Twenty-six articles, representing different global contexts, were included in the review. The most common accountability mechanisms were the existence of a coordinating body, strategic vision and legislation. Other accountability mechanisms identified were transparency, participatory decision making and stakeholder engagement. On the other hand, clear accountability rules, consequence of non-implementation and enforcement were lacking. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Our review confirms that there is limited existing literature on accountability for AMR. In addition, several accountability mechanisms were identified but a comprehensive approach to accountability is missing. It is imperative that accountability of AMR governance is strengthened to ensure national and global commitments for AMR containment are met. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Babatunde Odugbemi York University Lauren Wallace York University Joanne Ong York University Lathika Laguwaran York University Hefot Ahmed York University Mathieu Poirier York University Tarra Penney York University Mary Wiktorowicz York University |
