Saba Farrukh
Clinical Research Fellow at Leeds Teaching Hospital
The HIS Travel Grant provided me with a generous opportunity to attend the FIS/HIS International Conference 2024. This platform enabled me to share my work with a diverse audience, including consultants, clinicians of all grades, and other healthcare professionals. Engaging with attendees allowed me to discuss how my PPIE project aligns with the UK National Action Plan initiatives, sparking insightful conversations on how these efforts contribute to tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
One of the event’s highlights was a brilliant lecture by Dr. Berit Muller-Pebody on innovative strategies to combat AMR. This session was particularly impactful for me, as it provided valuable data and statistics that I can correlate with my own findings. It reinforced the importance of patient cooperation in developing effective AMR strategies and inspired me to focus on improving patient education as a critical component of our efforts to optimize care.
Additionally, attending the conference broadened my understanding of how professionals across the NHS are actively identifying areas for improvement and implementing solutions to enhance patient care. It gave me a unique opportunity to learn about best practices and network with individuals who share a commitment to innovation and collaboration in healthcare.
I had the opportunity to connect with doctors from other trusts who have also worked on PPIE projects related to patient involvement in AMR policies and strategies. It was incredibly rewarding to see my poster sparking meaningful conversations about a topic that resonates deeply with so many of us. These discussions have inspired the next step in my project: rolling out surveys on a larger scale to identify actionable ways to enhance AMR awareness and bridge the communication gap between healthcare providers and the public.
Beyond the enriching educational experience, I also had the chance to explore the vibrant city of Liverpool. The stunning views of King's Dock, with its serene seaside backdrop, were a photographer’s dream—I took more pictures than I can count! I also enjoyed the city’s iconic skyline by taking a ride on the Wheel of Liverpool and indulging in some fantastic meals at the restaurants along Albert Dock. Overall, it was a wonderful three days spent in Liverpool, combining professional growth with memorable moments shared with colleagues and friends.