Nurse Practitioners' Attitudes, Perceptions, and Knowledge About Antimicrobial Stewardship

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent public health problem. There is very limited information regarding nurse practitioners' attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge about antibiotic use and resistance. Methods: Web-based anonymous survey in a university-affiliated hospital. Results: Most respondents agreed that antimicrobial resistance is a problem locally and nationally, were concerned about resistance in the community when prescribing antibiotics, and agreed that more appropriate use of antibiotics would decrease resistance. There is a paucity of knowledge in the management of anaerobic infections and resistant gram-negative bacteremia. Conclusion: Incorporating nurse practitioners into antimicrobial stewardship programs could improve evidence-based practices and antimicrobial use. © 2012 American College of Nurse Practitioners.