The Issue of Antibiotic Resistance - Essay Example

Reflective Log Reflective Log The guided bioscience independent study was intended to extend the opportunity to enhance academic knowledge as well as transferable skills. Antibiotic resistance was chosen as a topical issue in contemporary biosciences as the writer not only had a personal interest in the topic but is also directly relevant to their course. The independent study was to a large extent successful as it facilitated a detailed understanding of the chosen topic. However, although other strains were also highlighted, there were also considerable challenges in collecting the information and discussing the recent strain of anti-biotic resistant E. coli especially from the perspective of natural occurrence and human and veterinary medicine. This paper will provide a reflective log and highlight the challenges as well as the experienced as well as the help received from the supervisors that facilitated the completion of the project. Although it is acknowledged that not every part of the study was difficult, it must be noted that most of it presented challenges that required assistance from the supervisors. There were volumes of information ranging from journals, books databases and the internet. However, this was part of the challenges because it was difficult to determine which ones were relevant to the topic addressed by the study mainly because of the clarity (or lack of it) in the manner in which some studies were presented. Here, the assistance of the supervisors in deciding which source of information to use was critical so as to maintain relevance and avoid losing view of the study area. The study stuck to peer-reviewed material that had been written for students, teachers, health professionals and researchers. In this sense, it was possible to define the E. coli bacteria at the most basic level but discuss its natural occurrence, resistance development and control from the professional and research level. More specifically, two case studies focusing on the US and Nigeria provided valuable information on susceptibility and the development of resistance from two considerably different geographical regions. From these two case studies, the independent study facilitated the understanding that the increasing resistance E. coli is developing against antibiotics is linked to the food chain and the inappropriate and increasing use of antibiotics. Inasmuch as there was a wide range of information sources, there was also a considerable amount of criticism to some of the available information. Therefore, at some points, it was difficult to decide whether to use the information provided by researchers or their critics. This is mainly because both sets of information were peer reviewed. The supervisors’ assistance was again helpful in deciding the type of information to use basing on the aims and objectives of the independent study. The study was then informed by the necessary skill in selecting and locating an appropriate research methodology suitable for the study’s objectives. Since the intention of the study was to discuss the recent strain of anti-biotic resistant E. coli especially from the perspective of natural occurrence and human and veterinary medicine, it was decided to use the information from the researchers. However, as explained by Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt (2011) information from the critics could only be used when they provided sufficient evidence without directing the study away from its aims and objectives. Equally important is the fact the study was meant to extend the opportunity of the students to enhance their academic knowledge and transferable skills. Hence, the choice of information to be used was eventually based on how much relevant information could be collected, analysed and shared from the study without distorting the context of the original researchers. The underlying determining factor was the ability to comprehensively discuss the selected topic through suitable scientific language and enable the student to contextualize their findings within wider scientific literature. Further, it was imperative that the study produces a paper based on evidence using literature on evidence-based practice that is appropriate to the field. As an independent researcher, the student was able to critically analyse antibiotic resistance from underpinning literature that the institute’s subscriptions provide and at the end of the study, it was possible to appraise independent learning ability. Essentially, the opportunity to acquire a deeper understanding of antibiotic resistance as an issue of contemporary bioscience was well utilised. Through the study, the student is confident that skills in critical evaluation, discussing current issues and potential developments were improved. Apart from enhancing skills in manipulating the actual contents of the final paper, skills were also developed in the logical arrangement of the contents starting from the introduction, stating objecting, discussion and conclusion. However, it is imperative to note again that this became possible after the assistance from the supervisors that made it possible to find a way around the initial challenges. For example, there was an overwhelming amount of information regarding the definition and working of antibiotics and that was also the case with the definition of antibiotics resistance. Therefore, it required a certain level of analytical and critical skills to select the ones to base the discussion on. This not only provided an insight into how antibiotic resistance has developed over time but also an explanation of the factors that have been and continue to contribute to its increase. For instance, the study of specific infections that science has linked to E. coli helped in understanding how different resistances were developed in both humans and animals. Generally, a reflection in the study can confidently conclude that the opportunity to enhance academic knowledge in antibiotic resistance and also develop skills in transferring knowledge was used beneficially. The research methodology mainly based on earlier literature helped in developing skills for ongoing professional development that is driven by reflecting on a student’s learning experience. To the researcher, it acted as a reminder that the acquisition of knowledge is not limited to the academic level but must form the basis of proficiency and informed decision making as well as action in the profession. According to Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt (2011), students can primarily learn through direct interactions with their instructors and supervisors, but they must take more initiative through means such as guided independent studies. References Melnyk, BM & Fineout-Overholt, E 2011, Evidence-based practice in nursing &healthcare (2nd ed.) Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia. Read More