ABOUT EMERGE RESEARCH

Bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics used to treat infections. This is known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and it results in increased deaths and healthcare costs. Rising migration may be contributing to antibiotic resistance. However, there is no good evidence on how many migrant (foreign born) individuals have antibiotic resistance, and what factors increase their risk of getting or spreading drug-resistant bacteria. Data on AMR in migrants are inconsistent, vary widely, and are not easily combined.

Information on AMR in migrants, and associated risk factors is needed to tackle antibiotic resistance in migrant-receiving countries in Europe. This will improve patient outcomes, prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance, and reduce costs and mortality. The aim of the EMERGE project is to generate new evidence on AMR in migrant populations

Therefore, EMERGE project will look at:

1) individual level factors contributing to drug resistance in migrant populations through interviews and surveys with migrant groups and healthcare workers serving migrant communities in Europe;

2) patterns of AMR in migrants across health services and at the national level by combining and analysing data on AMR in migrants from various sources; and

3) changes in patterns of AMR in migrant populations across Europe using mathematical modelling to predict and map AMR in migrants over time, as well as to inform prevention and control responses

The aim of the EMERGE project is to generate new evidence on AMR in migrant populations at these levels by using a comprehensive research approach that includes three work packages:

Work package 1: Individual (micro) level

Purpose: in order to address the limited knowledge about the individual level factors that may be contributing to AMR carriage and infection in migrants.

Methods: we will carry-out in-depth conversational interviews and questionnaire surveys (comprehensive research approach).

Population:

A) Sample of migrants representing key sending countries and migration trajectories for migrants in Europe.

Objectives: We want to understand antibiotic use, knowledge of antimicrobials, where antibiotics are obtained and how they are used, perceived health needs and health priorities, and experiences of access to healthcare and living conditions during the migration trajectory.

B) Sample of healthcare workers who have experience providing healthcare services for migrant communities in the UK.

Objectives: We aim to explore perceived needs, barriers to the management of AMR in migrant communities, approaches to antibiotic prescribing and how have they changed during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and priorities for research, antibiotic surveillance, and infection prevention and control initiatives in each setting.

Work package 1 will include carrying out a photo voice project and community engagement with a diverse representative group of migrants across the UK.

Work package 2: Health service/national (meso) level

Purpose: to examine patterns of AMR at the health service and national level.

Methods: We will use comprehensive statistical analysis of large sources of data on AMR in migrants. across Europe

Work package 3: Cross-systems/transnational (macro) level

Purpose: to develop a mathematical model that can be used to inform policymakers on priorities for AMR control, responses to AMR outbreaks in migrant populations, and AMR surveillance.

Methods: We will examine the relationship between migration and AMR in Europe over time, and the epidemiology of AMR in mobile migrant populations across key migration trajectories.

Learn more>>>