Implementing a multimodal antimicrobial stewardship programme in primary care in Kosova—a protocol for implementation and evaluation

By piloting an antimicrobial stewardship programme aligned with national and international guidelines, key national stakeholders aim to strengthen stewardship practices through training, diagnostics, and continuous quality improvement. This intervention addresses critical gaps between antimicrobial resistance policy commitments and practical implementation in Kosova's primary care. The mixed-methods research design of study components, grounded in the relevant implementation science frameworks, will generate evidence on barriers, enablers, and economic impact, informing policy updates and scale-up strategies. While focused on Kosova, findings are expected to provide valuable lessons for other low- and middle-income countries facing similar antimicrobial resistance challenges.